Brexit used to stall extradition on sex charges

BRITAIN’S decision to exit the European Union has been used to derail the extradition of an alleged sex offender from Ireland — prompting fears that dozens of suspected criminals could use Brexit to avoid trial.

The High Court in Dublin agreed to pause a case involving a 78-year-old Irish man wanted to face prosecution in London on 10 counts including rape, attempted rape, indecent assault.

The case involves the use of a European Arrest Warrant issued by Westminster magistrates’ court in September 2015. Prime Minister Theresa May warned during the referendum that Britain could lose the power to issue European warrants if it left the EU.

The court was told that the alleged offences took place in the Camden area as well as Essex on dates between 1960 and 1973. But the judge agreed to delay the proceedings for three months after lawyers argued that any trial might take place after Britain was out of the EU.

Labour MP Stella Creasy, who is representing several families seeking justice in cases involving extradition, said: “This is a nightmare. This ruling provides a lawyer’s charter to delay cases where criminals are being extradited and where British families risk being denied justice. The Brexiteers assured voters that this could not happen, yet here we have a case where a man accused of serious offences is using Brexit to argue against extradition to face trial in London.

“Theresa May and Boris Johnson need to sort this out urgently.”

The man’s barrister, Patrick Gageby, argued that the court could not be sure whether any trial would happen before or after Britain’s EU exit. Counsel for Ireland’s minister for justice, Ronan Kennedy, said the court must treat Britain as a member of the EU.

Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly reserved judgment in the case until October 14.