12 Jan 2007

Sacked police commissioner denies claims by Solomons government

7:22 pm on 12 January 2007

The sacked former Solomon Islands police commissioner is denying claims that he had no formal contract and was immune from prosecution while he headed the force.

The Solomons government has banned Shane Castles from re-entering the country, prompting widespread criticism from Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.

His Solomon Islands counterpart says they had serious reservations about Mr Castle's appointment, particularly the indemnity clauses under which he served.

Foreign minister Patteson Oti said Mr Castles' employment placed him above the Solomons constitution and the government was not prepared to accept that.

Mr Castles denies this.

"I'm no different to any other previous expat-appointed police commissioner. I am subject to the provisions of the constitution, the civil and the criminal law. To suggest otherwise at this stage is just a nonsense."

Mr Castles is seeking legal advice over his contract, which is up in April.