Lithuania wants extradition request handled by North's courts

The Lithuanian authorities have withdrawn their extradition request for Co Louth man on weapons and terrorism charges because they want the matter determined by the courts in the North, the High Court in Dublin heard today.

The Lithuanian authorities were seeking the extradition of Liam Campbell (aged 46), Upper Faughart, Dundalk, whom they allege was involved in a conspiracy to obtain weapons, ammunition and explosive substances in the Baltic republic between the end of 2006 and during 2007.

Campbell had been remanded on bail following his arrest, earlier this year, on foot of a European Extradition Warrant endorsed by the High Court in Dublin.

However Campbell is currently detained, following his arrest last May after he crossed the border into the North, on foot of a EAW in relation to the same charges.

Today Mr Justice Michael Peart decided to adjourn the matter to early October in order to deal with the matters raised by Mr Campbell's lawyers.

The Judge made an order striking out the application for Mr Campbell's surrender the and vacated a bench warrant he had previously issued for Mr Campbell's arrest.

The Judge also fixed trial dates in early November for two related cases, Brendan McGuigan (aged 29), with an address at New Houses, Knocknagoran, Omeath, Co Louth and Seamus McGreevey (aged 56), St Annes, Stamullen Road, Gormanstown, Co Meath.