Police have started a thorough read of the Privy Council decision quashing David Bain's murder convictions.

Bain remains in Christchurch Prison but as a remand prisoner. The Law Lords believe there was a substantial miscarriage of justice in Bain's trial. Detective Superintendent Malcom Burgess says police are still examining the decision at this stage. He says there is no time limit set down as yet for a decision on a re-trial.

Detective Superintendent Malcolm Burgess thinks the officers involved in the prosecution back in the 1990s probably will not be impressed. He says while there may be logistical difficulties in staging a re-trial, that will not stop one happening if that is what is decided.

Meanwhile Attorney General Michael Cullen is saying little about the implications of the Privy Council's decision, saying only the Crown Law Office will carefully consider the judgement. He says the decision is solely for the Solicitor General to make and he will be making no further comment on the matter.

A bail application for David Bain could take place early next week. His legal team want him out of jail as quickly as possible, after the Privy Council decision.