Malcolm Rewa's former lawyer says it would be a travesty of justice if the serial rapist stands trial for a third time, for the murder of Susan Burdett.

The Privy Council has quashed Teina Pora's convictions and will decide whether he will face another trial.

If the answer's no, it could open the door for a retrial of Rewa.
DNA from semen at the scene linked the attack to Rewa, but two hung juries could not reach a verdict on charges of murder.

Prison Reform Society president Barry Hart says he'll be making plans to see Rewa in prison as soon as possible, as he'll be concerned about developments.

"He's been involved in two murder trials, hung juries on both occasions. Unless there was some new evidence I can't see why they would even entertain it, leaving aside whether it would be fair to do so."

Barry Hart plans to discuss developments with Rewa.

"Obviously we'd be concerned about that because he's due for parole shortly, and in my view it would be a travesty of justice if they try and reopen the matter."