Man brought before High Court over alleged blackmail in UK

A 31-year-old father of seven wanted in Britain on charges including blackmail has been brought before the High Court in Dublin.

The UK is seeking the extradition of Hughie Patrick McGinley, who the court heard was arrested by in Sligo on Monday evening on foot of a European Arrest Warrant issued last February.

The warrant seeking Mr McGinley’s surrender says he is wanted so he can face trial on charges of blackmail, conspiracy to commit blackmail and possession of criminal property.

Mr McGinley, the warrant further alleges, was involved with a number of others who have been before the British Courts.

Giving evidence at the High Court, Detective Garda David Hannigan said he arrested Mr McGinley at Ballyfree Halting Site, Sligo. The detective said Mr McGinley accepted he was the person whose extradition is being sought.

The detective said when asked if he knew what the charges contained in the warrant were about, Mr McGinley replied “I do”.

At the High Court on Tuesday afternoon Mr Justice Donald Binchy, after informing the accused of his rights, said he was satisfied to remand Mr McGinley in custody till August 16th.

Mr McGinley did not speak during the brief hearing.

A lawyer acting on his behalf said his client is the married father of seven children and is in receipt of social welfare. An application for bail will be made in the coming days. Gardai are expected to oppose any such application.