Bail denied to Simeon Langford wanted by UK authorities

A man wanted by the British authorities in connection with a number of alleged violent offences including attempted murder has been denied bail by the High Court in Dublin.

The UK is seeking the extradition of a British national Simeon Langford (32) from Bristol who the court heard was arrested by gardaí in Cork on foot of a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) issued last week.

The UK authorities allege he breached the terms of his release on licence from a UK prison where he had been serving a sentence for grievous bodily harm (GBH). It is further alleged in the EAW Mr Langford committed other offences in June of this year, including attempted murder and GBH.

Mr Langford who entered Ireland using a relative's passport, was arrested last Thursday in Cork city. He is opposing the application to extradite him.

On Tuesday at the High Court Mr Langford, represented by Ronan Munro, said if granted bail he would abide by any conditions imposed by the court, no matter how strict.

Cash surety

In evidence Mr Langford said he had a girlfriend in Cork who was prepared to let him stay at her family home. He said she, other friends of his and his family were prepared to provide a cash surety. However, he did not think that they had much money to put up as a surety.

The State, represented by Vincent Heneghan, objected to bail on grounds including Mr Langford has no ties to the jurisdiction, was a fugitive from the UK having arrived here using another person’s passport, and was of no fixed abode since arriving in Ireland.

At the High Court Mr Justice Iseult O’Malley refused to grant Mr Langford bail. The Judge said she was refusing bail on a number of grounds including the proposed surety was unsuitable.

However, the judge said if the situation changed he was entitled to renew his application. She remanded Mr Langford in custody till September 2nd next.