NT: NZ pilot asked to testify at inquest into backpacker death

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2006
NT: NZ pilot asked to testify at inquest into backpacker death

DARWIN, Feb 15 AAP - Authorities have urged a New Zealand pilot to appear at an inquest
into the death of a Canadian backpacker in the Northern Territory two years ago.

Edward Lee had faced a charge of Dangerous Act Causing Death over the death of 29-year-old
Cynthia Ching, who was engulfed by flames during a dinner party at Kings Creek Station,
in Central Australia, in 2004.

However, prosecutors were forced to withdraw the charge because current laws mean he
cannot be extradited from New Zealand.

There is no legislative equivalent of the charge in NZ.

It is believed Ms Ching was set alight when ignited aviation gas being used as a makeshift
lantern was inadvertently cast in her direction.

She died six weeks after the incident.

Ms Ching's parents will fly from Canada to attend an inquest into her death, to be
held in Alice Springs next month.

"A coronial investigator has spoken to Mr Lee directly by telephone and told him that
the coroner would like him to give evidence at the inquest," the NT Coroner's Office said.

"A videolink can be arranged to New Zealand if he is willing to do so."

A spokeswoman would not say whether Mr Lee would testify.

The Northern Territory Coroner does not have the power to compel an overseas witness
to testify at an inquest.

AAP km/jm/bwl

KEYWORD: CHING

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