Court refuses extradition of couple to US

A CORK couple has scored a bitter-sweet victory after the High Court refused an application to have them extradited to the US to face charges of kidnapping one of their grandchildren.

However, the successful challenge by Tim and Ethel Blake, of Lower Midleton Street, Cobh, Co Cork, against their extradition is tainted by the fact that they face certain arrest if they ever return to the US to see their 12-year-old grandson.

Although the ruling could be appealed by the US authorities, it is thought such a move is unlikely.