Menu
20/03/2012
Pregnant Woman Wins Extradition Appeal
As a result of prison conditions in Argentina a woman due to give birth in May has avoided being extradited to face dugs charges.
Arrested in Buenos Aires in 2007 while carrying over 6kg of cocaine, Lucy Wright, successfully argued at the High Court that being extradited would breach her human rights.
Her successful appeal is a rare example of the courts blocking an extradition.
Wright was detained as she was about to board a flight to the UK, she was bailed before trail but subsequently fled to Brazil and fro there back to the UK.
She was arrested in 2009 at the request of the Argentine authorities and taken to court in London to face extradition on the original drugs charge. A judge approved the application, but Ms Wright appealed.
Alun Jones QC, defending Ms Wright, said she could be held for more than two years before trial in Argentina and could expect to serve a sentence in inhuman and degrading prison conditions.
The High Court also heard that Ms Wright had planned to challenge the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for failing to investigate or charge her. Her lawyers said that she had been offering for three years to plead guilty to drugs offences in the UK.
"The appellant, who wishes to be tried in this country, has stated first that she admits she would plead guilty to a charge of attempting to import cocaine into the United Kingdom if charged in this jurisdiction, and/or being a party to a conspiracy to import into this country the cocaine found in her possession in Buenos Aires Airport," said Mr Justice Silber.
The High Court stopped the extradition on human rights grounds, saying that Ms Wright could be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment.
(H)
Arrested in Buenos Aires in 2007 while carrying over 6kg of cocaine, Lucy Wright, successfully argued at the High Court that being extradited would breach her human rights.
Her successful appeal is a rare example of the courts blocking an extradition.
Wright was detained as she was about to board a flight to the UK, she was bailed before trail but subsequently fled to Brazil and fro there back to the UK.
She was arrested in 2009 at the request of the Argentine authorities and taken to court in London to face extradition on the original drugs charge. A judge approved the application, but Ms Wright appealed.
Alun Jones QC, defending Ms Wright, said she could be held for more than two years before trial in Argentina and could expect to serve a sentence in inhuman and degrading prison conditions.
The High Court also heard that Ms Wright had planned to challenge the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for failing to investigate or charge her. Her lawyers said that she had been offering for three years to plead guilty to drugs offences in the UK.
"The appellant, who wishes to be tried in this country, has stated first that she admits she would plead guilty to a charge of attempting to import cocaine into the United Kingdom if charged in this jurisdiction, and/or being a party to a conspiracy to import into this country the cocaine found in her possession in Buenos Aires Airport," said Mr Justice Silber.
The High Court stopped the extradition on human rights grounds, saying that Ms Wright could be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 July 2004
Abu Hamza remanded in custody
The radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri has been remanded in custody at Bow Street Magistrates Court today. Abu Hamza, who faces a total of nine charges, appeared by videolink from Belmarsh prison. He was remanded in prison until July 23. The 46-year-old was arrested on May 27 on an extradition warrant served by the US government.
Abu Hamza remanded in custody
The radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri has been remanded in custody at Bow Street Magistrates Court today. Abu Hamza, who faces a total of nine charges, appeared by videolink from Belmarsh prison. He was remanded in prison until July 23. The 46-year-old was arrested on May 27 on an extradition warrant served by the US government.
25 September 2006
MoD rejects Afghan blast claims
The Ministry of Defence has refuted newspaper claims that a landmine blast which killed a British paratrooper in Afghanistan was caused by the downdraught from a Chinook helicopter.
MoD rejects Afghan blast claims
The Ministry of Defence has refuted newspaper claims that a landmine blast which killed a British paratrooper in Afghanistan was caused by the downdraught from a Chinook helicopter.
27 June 2003
Mobile charges to be cut following court ruling
Mobile phone calls under some tariff structures will be reduced by up to half following a High Court ruling against Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile. On Friday, the three UK phone giants finally lost their fight in a long-running court battle with regulators over the practice of levying of “termination charges”.
Mobile charges to be cut following court ruling
Mobile phone calls under some tariff structures will be reduced by up to half following a High Court ruling against Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile. On Friday, the three UK phone giants finally lost their fight in a long-running court battle with regulators over the practice of levying of “termination charges”.
27 February 2013
Actor Michael Le Vell Appears In Court On 19 Child Sex Crime Charges
Actor Michael Le Vell, Coronation Street’s Kevin Webster, has appeared in court to face a number of child sex crime charges. 48-year-old Le Vell is charged with 19 serious sexual offences, including six rapes and six indecent assaults.
Actor Michael Le Vell Appears In Court On 19 Child Sex Crime Charges
Actor Michael Le Vell, Coronation Street’s Kevin Webster, has appeared in court to face a number of child sex crime charges. 48-year-old Le Vell is charged with 19 serious sexual offences, including six rapes and six indecent assaults.
20 June 2008
Muslim Cleric Faces US Extradition
High profile muslim cleric Abu Hamza has lost his High Court battle against extradition to the United States where he is expected to face terror-related charges. Egyptian-born Hamza is currently serving a seven-year jail term in Belmarsh prison in London for inciting murder and race hate.
Muslim Cleric Faces US Extradition
High profile muslim cleric Abu Hamza has lost his High Court battle against extradition to the United States where he is expected to face terror-related charges. Egyptian-born Hamza is currently serving a seven-year jail term in Belmarsh prison in London for inciting murder and race hate.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
