Thompson to be extradited on firearm and drug charges
Frederick Thompson, aged 30, of Loreto Road, Maryland, in Dublin’s south inner city, is wanted by Spanish authorities to face charges of possession and trafficking of drugs and firearms.
He was arrested last week on foot of a European arrest warrant issued by a judge in Malaga on September 8, 2010, which was endorsed by High Court judge Mr Justice Micheal Peart.
Yesterday, Mr Justice John Edwards said the extradition order was to take immediate effect after Thompson said he was waiving his right to remain in custody here for 10 days.
Thompson took to the stand and told the judge he consenting to being sent “straight away” and when asked if he received legal advice he answered: “I did indeed, yeah.” When the judge asked him if he now consented to being extradited Thompson said: “I do.”
Ronan Kennedy BL, for the state, said Thompson’s surrender was sought for three offences. Mr Kennedy said these include: unlawful assembly, which carries a three-year penalty; possession of weapons and arms trafficking, which carries a penalty of two to three years; and crimes against public health and drugs offences, which carries a penalty of three to nine years.
The judge refused to grant Thompson legal aid after an application from the state.
Mr Kennedy said a statement of means showed Thompson was not in receipt of welfare payments. He was registered for tax in this jurisdiction, Mr Kennedy said.
Thompson’s counsel, John Berry BL, said his client had received €20,000 from two road traffic accident claims and was being supported by his mother.
Mr Justice Edwards said: “The order has been made but the issue is whether this legal aid is to paid out of the public purse.
“The declaration of means furnished is very unsatisfactory. It is not an appropriate case to grant legal aid.”
Thompson was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison pending the making of arrangements for sending him to Spain.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
