The Australian Prime Minister warns Skase he will not give up

Australia would get runaway businessman Christopher Skase back to face justice if it was at all possible, Prime Minister John Howard said yesterday. Skase is facing expulsion from his Spanish home in Andratx and the federal government is ready to organise extradition with any country in which he sought refuge. Asked if the government would get its hands on Skase this year, Mr Howard told the Nine Network: “I hope so but the vagaries of international extradition are such - look what happened to (train robber) Ronald Biggs. “With the best will in the world we don't live in one international legal system and all I can say is if he can be got he'll be got, I can promise you that.” Spanish government sources have indicated that Skase, wanted for questioning in Australia in connection with over 30 charges of fraud relating to the collapse of his business empire, will be expelled to the Commonwealth of Dominica, where he is now a citizen and passport holder.