Fed: Truck driver on manslaughter charge may return by late Aug

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2000
Fed: Truck driver on manslaughter charge may return by late Aug

Federal Justice Minister AMANDA VANSTONE says a truck driver may be back in Australia
to face a manslaughter charge this month after being arrested today in Canada.

MOSLEH HANNA MEKHAEL, 27, of Sydney, was arrested at 5.45am (AEST) as he was about
to board a domestic flight at Ottawa Airport.

MEKHAEL flew out of Australia last month while charged with death by negligent driving
after a nine-car pile-up on Sydney's northern beaches in April, in which 11-month-old
SCOTT STEELE died.

Senator VANSTONE says MEKHAEL was able to leave Australia because New South Wales police
had not posted an alert with immigration authorities to ensure he stayed here.

It was only when police went to arrest MEKHAEL for the upgraded charge of manslaughter
that they discovered he had left.

MEKHAEL has allegedly been working as a taxi driver while staying with his brother
in Ottawa, the Canadian capital.

AAP RTV fh/mfh/gp/smf

KEYWORD: MEKHAEL VANSTONE (CANBERRA)

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