US judge reserves ruling in Finbarr Ross hearing

A judge in Muskogee, Oklahoma, yesterday reserved his decision in a habeas corpus application brought by lawyers for the Cork-born financier, Mr Finbarr Ross (52).

Judge Michael Burrage, of the Muskogee District Court, heard an application from the lawyers that Mr Ross should be granted bail and should not be extradited. A bail application to a different judge was refused last month.

Judge Burrage will set a date for a further hearing on the issue of bail next week.

Last month, a Muskogee court ruled that Mr Ross should be extradited to Northern Ireland to face 41 fraud charges related to his investment company, International Investments Ltd.

Under US law there is no right of appeal in extradition hearings. However, lawyers for Mr Ross are questioning the decision by way of taking the habeas corpus application. Such hearings decide on the correctness or otherwise of rulings on law.

If the court finds that the detention of Mr Ross is justified in law, then that decision can be appealed.