UPDATE – April 2011
After reading numerous articles from the Australian press I would like to make the following comments:
I was arrested in 2003. My interview with the police lasted only a matter of minutes. I answered my name, date of birth and made the following comment, “ I am not guilty of any crime and I have not commited any offense.” The video of this is available and I will ask if it can be put on the site.
I did not and have not ever written or signed any statement about any matters. I did not receive any help from the police. In fact quite the opposite. There is no mystery (as reported in some newspapers) surrounding the withdrawal of the charges in February 2004. The case was hinged on one person’s statement, who at the committal recanted their statement and in fact stated that they had been coerced by the police to make an untrue statement. The witness went on further to name the true culprit of the matter, there by exonerating me.
Only at the last minute, after offering me a much reduced and less serious charge which I refused, did the D.P.P withdraw the allegations made about me. I consented for the state to seize assets, a motor vehicle and money, as they did not belong to me. I was informed that whilst detained I had technically overstayed my visa and would be disqualified from re-entering Australia. I was given a justice visa valid for 14 days and told to leave Australia. I left in 2004 and have never returned.
Despite numerous claims in the press stating otherwise, I have NEVER been convicted of being associated or involved in any way with drugs, precursors or money laundering. I would like to take this opportunity to state that I am innocent of all charges and will give a full rebuttal to all allegations. The charges against me are without substance.
I have taken legal advice and intend to sue Australia, Thailand, UK and the Netherlands for the ordeal that they have put me through.
At the risk of repeating myself, for which I do not apologise, I was arrested in 2003 for a crime I did not commit. I spent 1 year of my life on bail and in custody fighting the allegations. I did not receive any favours from the AFP, NSWCC or any other law enforcement agencies. I have never been offered or received any financial gain by any police force from any country.
I have plenty more to say but shall follow my lawyers advise and remain silent until such time I am in a court of law.
To the lady reported who gave a list of questions to my lawyer. I have no knowledge what so ever of any of the people she asked about. I had nothing to do with the offenses she asks about from December 2002 and have never been questioned by the police about these matters or the people arrested for them.
To anyone else who is interested. Don’t waste your time barking up the wrong tree! People who live in glass houses should not throw stones. I have a list to prove it.
To all the people who have taken the time to send letters of support I thank you.
God bless you
James