FED:Skipper reaches settlement

AAP General News (Australia)
02-01-2011
FED:Skipper reaches settlement

A Vietnamese skipper acquitted of people smuggling has finally reached a legal settlement
with the Australian government for destroying his boat.

It comes more than seven years after VAN TOL TRAN'S boat was apparently judged unseaworthy
and sunk by customs officials.

Three federal court judges ruled last year there was no lawful basis for destroying the vessel.

Customs won't comment on details of the settlement with Mr TRAN .. whose conviction
for transporting 53 asylum seekers to Australia was quashed in 2005.

Mr TRAN argued he was taking extended family members home when the boat was stopped.

AAP RTV cj/jmt

KEYWORD: TRAN (CANBERRA)

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