High Court refuses extradition request in heroin case

The High Court has refused an application by Belgium to extradite an Irish Aviation broker wanted in connection with the seizure of heroin valued at €10m because the man is facing similar charges in Ireland in connection with the same event.

John Kinsella (aged 36), a former national super heavyweight boxing champion, of Cairn Wood, Johnstown, Navan, Co Meath is wanted on charges relating to the seizure of approximately 50kg of heroin at an airfield in Wevelgem Belgium on September 26 last.

The Belgian authorities allege that Mr Kinsella helped recruit people who transported drugs from the airfield to Ireland.

Today at the High Court, Mr Justice Michael Peart ruled that the court was prohibited from agreeing to the Belgian authorities request to extradite Mr Kinsella due to the statutory provision that prohibits the extradition of those individuals who are facing similar charges in the State arising out of the same event.

Counsel for the State Mr Patrick McGrath BL said that pending the outcome of the proceedings against Mr Kinsella, the Belgian authorities could renew their application.

Mr Kinsella, a father of three, had previously told the court, through his lawyers, that he was willing to be extradited to Belgium.

However the State sought a stay on that order from being carried on the grounds that the State intended taking criminal proceedings against the accused, arising out of the same incident, until after the conclusion of his trial on those charges.

Counsel for Mr Kinsella Mr Stephen McCann BL, appearing with Peter McGuire BL, said that given the statutory provision the court had no option other than and to discharge the request for his client's extradition.