Vietnam darter released on bail

Press, 20 December 1986, Page 12

Vietnam darter released on bail

NZPA-AAP Sydney

The United States Marine deserter, Douglas Beane, has been released on bail by the High Court in Sydney while the legal battle over his possible extradition to America continues.

Chief Justice Sir Harry Gibbs granted bail after Beane’s barrister, Tim Robertson, had told the court that under the Australian Defence Act, the Minister of Defence, Kim Beazley, had no right to order Beane’s expulsion to the United States. Instead, Mr Robertson said, Mr Beazley could hand Beane over to a United States Armed Forces representative in Australia. The Chief Justice granted bail after ordering the prosecution to provide a full affidavit of their case to the court on Monday.

Bail was set at sAust2o,ooo ($25,500) in Beane’s recognisance and

an additional sAust2o,ooo surety from his wife, Karen.

The Chief Justice said the case would be heard in full when the court begins its new year session.

Beane went AWOL in Vietnam nearly 17 years ago. He was arrested on Monday at his home at Brunswick Heads, where he was living with his wife and two children. After his release from the H.M.A.S. Penguin naval base in Sydney, Beale hugged his wife and said: “It’s wonderful beyond words.” He broke down in tears as he described his feelings of freedom. “Emotionally I have been really strained. But I just want to thank all those people who have made this moment possible.” Beale did not know how he would celebrate his release, adding simply, “Australia sure is a great country.”