Madeleine extortion suspect is held

AN ITALIAN man held on suspicion of trying to extort money from the parents of missing Madeleine McCann has been detained in prison on orders from a National Court judge pending his extradition to France, officials said yesterday.

Judge Fernando Grande-Marlaska ordered Danielo Chemello, 61, be held in prison while France submits the paperwork necessary for an extradition, a court spokeswoman said.

French legal authorities have 40 days to prepare and forward the paperwork.