Honeymoon death husband likely to be deported

The American is serving 18 months in a Queensland jail after pleading guilty last year to the manslaughter of his bride Tina during a Great Barrier Reef scuba dive in 2003.

He is due to be released from a Queensland prison in November and is likely to be deported back to the US.

In early August, US prosecutors said there was a "good" chance a murder case against Watson would be brought before a grand jury in Alabama within the next three months, despite little help from the Queensland government.

Queensland attorney-general Cameron Dick wrote to his counterpart in Alabama on Tuesday to confirm they would not pursue the death penalty.

"Despite recent media reports quoting Alabama officials about their intention to not pursue the death penalty, I have still not received an unconditional undertaking from Alabama attorney-general Troy King," Mr Dick said in a statement.

Mr Dick wrote to Mr King in February 2010 and on August 12 outlining Queensland's stance.

"The Queensland government remains committed to co-operating with Alabama authorities as far as is possible to ensure that this matter is resolved in an expedient and just manner," he said.