Alleged IRA bomber given 'comfort letter' loses latest challenge against extradition for 1972 Enniskillen bombing

An alleged IRA bomber given a so-called “comfort letter” by the Tony Blair Government, has lost his latest challenge aimed at preventing his extradition to Northern Ireland for the 1972 Enniskillen bombing.

Northern Irish authorities are seeking to extradite John Downey (aged 67) to face prosecution for the murder of two British Army Infantrymen as well as aiding and abetting the causing of an explosion on August 25, 1972. Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) soldiers Lance Corporal Alfred Johnston and Private James Eames were killed when a device exploded in a vehicle they were checking on the Irvinestown Road, Cherrymount, in Enniskillen.