National court archive · 2026-03-16
Fugitives have 'no legitimate expectation of permanent immunity', court finds in upholding extradition over 1975 murder of RUC officer
At a glance
- Crime
- murdering Constable McPherson and attempted murder
- People
- John Edward McNicholl, Seamus Christopher O’Kane, Robert John McPherson, Patrick McGrath, Alex Owens
- Locations
- Newmills, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, Scalestown, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, Co Derry, Garvagh, Northern Ireland
- Court
- Court of Appeal
- Outcome
- the three-judge court placed a stay on the extraditions
Summary
The Court of Appeal upheld a decision to extradite John Edward McNicholl and Seamus Christopher O'Kane to Northern Ireland over offences linked to the 1975 murder of RUC Constable Robert John McPherson and an attempted murder. The court rejected arguments that delay, alleged abuse of process, ordinary life in the Republic or health concerns justified refusing surrender. It placed a stay on the extraditions to allow the men to ask the Supreme Court to hear their cases.
Original reporting: courtsnewsireland.ie