Double killer’s deal for 10 years in jail
U.S. JUDGE AGREES TO SHORTER SENTENCE Prison after longest extradition battle
Craig McDonald A double killer who fought Britain’s longest extradition battle has struck a deal to serve just 10 years in a US prison.
Phillip Harkins finally pled guilty to executing Joshua Hayes during a drug deal in Jacksonville, Florida, after evading justice since 1999.
But the 39-year-old thug will only be locked up for another decade after a judge took into account the amount of time Harkins spent in a UK jail.
Greenock-born Harkins skipped bail, fled back to Scotland in 2002 and hid in his home town.
He was only caught after he killed a woman by dangerous driving and was jailed for five years in 2003.
Harkins then triggered the UK’s longest-running extradition battle, which he eventually lost last year. He was flown back to the US after prosecutors assured UK authorities they would not seek the death penalty if he was convicted.
He pled guilty to second- degree murder – a crime which carries a maximum sentence of l i fe imprisonment.
But, after securing a deal with prosecutors, he will be sentenced to 25 years in a federal state prison.
The jail term includes the 5617 days Harkins spent locked up in the UK – the equivalent to 15 years.
He also admitted a second charge of attempted armed robbery and received an additional 15- year sentence at Duval County Court.
But his deal means this will be served at the same time as the 25-year term for murder.
Harkins, who had moved to Florida with his family when he was 14, is due to formally agree the terms of his sentencing on Thursday.
Joshua’s mum Patricia Gallagher was not available for comment.
But a source said of Harkins: “His entire fight was to avoid the death penalty and a life sentence without parole. “He’s now got that. “But 25 years total in jail is more than most Scottish killers get.”