Cairns defence suggests AFP offered deal

The Australian Federal Police has been brought into the Chris Cairns trial in London, with the cricketer's defence suggesting an officer authorised a deal for an alleged match fixer in exchange for information.

Sydney-based Detective Sergeant Timothy Stainton appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, and described a partnership between the AFP and the International Cricket Council in relation to the investigation into Cairns.

Det Sgt Stainton described how he facilitated talks in Australia in 2013 between the ICC and Daryl Tuffey, a former New Zealand cricketer who also played in an Indian Cricket League team with Cairns.

Another former Black Cap, Lou Vincent, has previously given evidence that he match fixed under orders from Cairns as did Tuffey.

Vincent provided that information in 2013 to the ICC, which led to the contact with the AFP.

Defence lawyer Simon Ray noted that the AFP investigation could have extended to areas such as money laundering, and Tuffey, an Australian resident, was under its jurisdiction.

"It remained a possibility that Mr Tuffey could be arrested and prosecuted in Australia," Mr Ray said.

He questioned whether Det Sgt Stainton had authorised anti-corruption investigator John Rhodes to offer Tuffey a deal in exchange for information.

The AFP officer denied that, saying he did not have the standing at another authority to make such a deal.

"I never authorised Mr Rhodes to do anything," Mr Stainton told the court.

"At that point of time we were seeking information from him as a witness."

In evidence last week, Mr Rhodes also denied that he offered Tuffey "a deal to point the finger at Chris Cairns".

Cairns is charged with perjury and perverting the course of justice in relation to a 2012 libel case in which he stated that he "never, ever cheated at cricket".

Tuffey, who has denied allegations of match fixing, was interviewed by British police under caution in 2014 and was released without charge.