Date set for hearing of extradition request for man wanted in relation to shooting of British soldier

The High Court has fixed a date in the next legal term for the hearing of an extradition request for a man wanted in connection with the shooting dead of an unarmed British soldier more than 17 years ago.

The British authorities are seeking the surrender of Declan Derek Patrick Duffy (aged 35), a father-of-two originally from Armagh in the North, but with an address at Hanover St West, Dublin. He is in custody in relation to other matters.

Today, Mr Justice Michael Peart set Thursday, October 8, for the hearing of the request after being informed that Duffy's points of objection against the making of an order for his extradition have been completed and are ready to be filed.

Counsel said that another issue is the apparent lack of information contained in the extradition warrant whether the offence Duffy is accused come under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. The court was also told was the hearing should take approximately two hours.

In an European Arrest warrant seeking Mr Duffy's surrender, the UK authorities claim he, on the afternoon of April 13, 1992 murdered Sergeant Michael Newman, a 34-year-old father-of-one in Derby, England.

Duffy is also charged with conspiracy to commit murder on dates between January 1st 1992 and April 13, 1992.