A man wanted in connection with the shooting dead of a British Army recruitment officer in Derby more than 17 years ago has indicated to the High Court his willingness to consent to his extradition to the UK.
The British authorities are seeking the surrender of Declan Derek Patrick Duffy (35), a father of two, originally from Armagh but with an address at Hanover Sreet West, Dublin. He is in custody in relation to other matters and is due to be released from prison in July 2011.
In a European Arrest warrant seeking Duffy’s surrender, the UK authorities claim he, on the afternoon of April 13th 1992, murdered Sergeant Michael Newman, a 34-year-old father-of-one in Derby, England. Duffy is also charged with conspiracy to commit murder on dates between January 1st 1992 and April 13th 1992.
Sgt Michael Newman was shot in the head outside an Army careers office where he worked. He died from his wounds the following day. The Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) later claimed responsibility for the killing.
At the High Court today, Mr Justice Michael Peart was told by Fergal Kavanagh SC, for Duffy, that his client was a British citizen and wished to serve the remainder of his Irish sentence in the UK. If that were arranged, his client was willing to consent to his extradition, counsel said.
The judge adjourned the matter to later this month to allow suitable arrangements for any surrender be agreed between the parties.
Previously the court heard Duffy was objecting to his extradition on grounds he would be prejudiced as a result of delay by the authorities in processing the extradition request.
Another objection was the apparent lack of information in the extradition warrant as to whether the offence at issue came under the terms of the Belfast Agreement.
The UK is also seeking the extradition of Anthony Patrick Gorman (39), originally from Co Armagh, but with an address at Bailieborough, Co Cavan, on the same charges. He is on bail pending the hearing of the extradition request.