Full interview: Birmingham City chief Peter Pannu tells of Triad battles

Oct 9 2009 Exclusive Mail interview by Colin Tattum

The court said these witnesses could have helped Pannu’s case and without them he would not receive a fair trial.

Pannu also revealed he was acquitted of two counts of assault on a man outside a karaoke bar in Tsim Sha Tsui in 1992.

He and the other officer involved in the Triad case were also found not guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice by persuading the man not to report the case.

Pannu, who went on to receive 30 commendations and official compliments, added: “We really ought to let bygones be bygones.

“There were certain vendettas against me back then, but we are talking a long time ago and the only thing I am concentrating on is this exciting opportunity and adventure we have before us at Birmingham City.”

Pannu will be responsible for the day-to-day running of St Andrew’s alongside Sammy Yu, Carson Yeung’s right-hand man at Grandtop International Holdings.

Pannu has known the Hong Kong tycoon for two decades and acted as a consultant for the investment firm, so has a major part to play in the club’s new regime.