New Zealand

Accused diplomat on the way back to NZ

21:56 pm on 24 October 2014

The Malaysian defence attache accused of sex crime against a Wellington woman is due to arrive in Auckland overnight.

Muhammad Rizalman. Photo: FACEBOOK

Sources say he is likely to appear in the Wellington District Court on Saturday morning.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Malaysia confirmed that Muhammad Rizalman was on his way to New Zealand.

It said two New Zealand policemen and two officers from the Malaysian Armed Forces would be on the flight with him.

He was expected to be taken to the Manukau police station overnight before flying to Wellington early on Saturday morning.

Mr Rizalman first appeared in court in Wellington in May this year on charges of burglary and assault with intent to rape.

He was released on bail, but a botch-up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade allowed him to return home under diplomatic immunity.