Sex offender surrenders to British authorities

A convicted sex offender arrested at Dublin Airport on Monday night has surrendered himself to UK authorities at the High Court.

Pakistani national Mian Mujahid Ali Shahid, aged 19, was arrested on Monday on foot of a European Arrest Warrant issued by UK police.

They had sought his extradition to serve a 30-month jail sentence imposed in his absence for sexual assault.

His barrister, Cormac Quinn Bl, told the High Court yesterday that Shahid wished to surrender himself and he wanted to do so “as soon as possible”.

Having sworn on the Quran, Shahid took the stand to sign a legal form consenting to his surrender.

Shahid agreed with Mr Quinn that he was aware of the warrant and its contents, that his options had been explained to him and that he consented to his surrender.

Mr Justice Raymond Fullam, who was told all formal requirements were met, made the order for Shahid’s surrender and remanded him in custody until the order could be implemented.

Counsel for the Irish authorities, Anne-Marie Lawlor said Shahid was wanted for two offences: sexual assault for which he was convicted at Stafford Crown Court, also in his absence, and failing to appear before court.

It was agreed that all the formal requirements for extradition were met, Ms Lawlor said.