High Court orders extradition of murderer to UK

The High Court has made an order for the extradition to the UK of a convicted murderer, who was recently released from prison here after serving a sentence for rape of a young female tourist.

Mark Trayton Smith (aged 47), a native of Cheltenham, England today consented to the making of an order for his return to the UK where he is wanted for breaching the conditions of a licence for his early release from a British prison, having served some 13 years of a life sentence imposed for murder.

Mr Justice Michael Peart said that he was satisfied to make an order for Trayton Smith's surrender to the authorities in the UK.

Trayton Smith, a former bank worker, was convicted at Swansea Crown Court in 1983 of murdering Albert Richards at Burry Port, Dyfed in Wales, on August 31st, 1982.

Mr Giollaiosa Ó Lideadha SC, for Trayton Smith, said that his client was consenting to his extradition being made.

Counsel also told the court that it was Trayton Smith's hope that his return could take place "as soon as possible."

Trayton Smith was convicted at the Central Criminal Court in July 2000 for the rape of a young woman at Nimmo's Pier in Galway city on June 5 1999.

Mr Justice Brian McCracken imposed a 12-year prison sentence on Trayton Smith, who was arrested by gardaí last month shortly after his release from prison.