THE HIGH Court has fixed a date next October for the hearing of an extradition request for a man wanted in connection with the shooting dead of a British army recruitment officer in Derby more than 17 years ago.
The British authorities are seeking the surrender of father-of-two Declan Duffy (35), from Armagh but with an address at Hanover Street West, Dublin. He is in custody in relation to other matters.
Mr Justice Michael Peart yesterday fixed October 8th to hear the request after being told Duffy’s points of objection against the making of an order for his extradition were completed and ready to be filed.
Remy Farrell, for Duffy, said the issues being raised in opposition related to the delay by the authorities in processing the extradition request. He said another issue was the apparent lack of information in the extradition warrant as to whether the offence at issue came under the terms of the Belfast Agreement.
In a European Arrest Warrant seeking Duffy’s surrender, the British authorities claim that on April 13th, 1992, he murdered Sgt Michael Newman (34), a father of one, in Derby, England. He is also charged with conspiracy to commit murder between January 1st, 1992, and April 13th, 1992.
The INLA admitted responsibility for Sgt Newman’s killing.
Britain is also seeking the extradition of Anthony Gorman (39), from Armagh but with an address at Bailieboro, Co Cavan, on the same charges. He is on bail pending the hearing of the extradition request.