Extradition request adjourned in officer-shooting case

An extradition request for a man wanted in connection with the shooting dead of a British Army recruitment officer in Derby more than 17 years ago has been further adjourned to early December.

The British authorities are seeking the surrender of Declan Derek Patrick Duffy (aged 35), a father of two, originally from Armagh but with an address at Hanover St West, Dublin. He is in custody in relation to other matters and is due to be released from prison in July 2011.

Previously the High Court heard that Mr Duffy is willingness to consent to his extradition to the UK if an arrangement can be put into place that would allow be transferred to the UK so that he could serve out the remainder of his Irish sentence there.

At the High Court today, Mr Justice Michael Peart was told by Fergal Kavanagh SC, for Duffy, that the request for his client's transfer had not been finalised.

The judge adjourned the matter for several weeks to see if arrangements can be agreed between the various parties. Both the Irish and the British authorities must consent to the transfer request

In a European Arrest warrant seeking Mr Duffy's surrender, the UK authorities claim he, on the afternoon of April 13th 1992, murdered Sergeant Michael Newman, a 34-year-old father-of-one in Derby, England. Mr Duffy is also charged with conspiracy to commit murder on dates between January 1st 1992 and April 13th 1992.

Sgt Michael Newman was shot in the head outside an Army careers office where he worked. He died from his wounds the following day. The Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) later claimed responsibility for the killing.

The UK is also seeking the extradition of Anthony Patrick Gorman (aged 39), originally from Co Armagh, but with an address at Bailieborough, Co Cavan, on the same charges. He is on bail pending the hearing of the extradition request.