High Court rejects bid to appeal extradition over Brexit

The High Court has rejected an application for leave to appeal against the extradition of a Roscommon man wanted in the United Kingdom in connection with a tax fraud investigation. Thomas Joseph O'Connor, aged 49 and resident in Roscommon, had sought to challenge his surrender to British authorities on grounds relating to the UK's withdrawal from the European Union. His legal team argued that Article 50 notification created uncertainty regarding the protection of his fundamental rights post-Brexit. Justice Aileen Donnelly declined the application, finding no evidence of real risk to his rights. The court had previously granted a temporary postponement of Mr O'Connor's extradition on humanitarian grounds. A stay on the extradition order has been granted to permit an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.