Reserved judgement in businessman's bid to halt extradition over £5 million tax fraud

A Roscommon businessman facing extradition to Britain over a £5 million tax fraud has had his case reserved for judgement in the High Court. Thomas Joseph O'Connor, aged 49, was convicted in his absence at Blackfriars Crown Court in 2007 and sentenced to four-and-a-half years imprisonment for defrauding the British revenue. An extradition warrant issued in 2009 has been upheld through multiple appeal stages, with the Supreme Court dismissing his appeal in March of this year. In reopened proceedings, O'Connor's counsel argued that Brexit rendered the extradition improper, claiming uncertainty about his legal protections post-departure would leave him in legal limbo. The State's counsel contended the Brexit outcome remained unknown and speculation about future UK legislation was premature. Justice Aileen Donnelly reserved judgement to 25 July. O'Connor remains on bail pending that decision.