Courts / Roscommon / Report
Reserved judgement in businessman's bid to halt extradition over £5 million tax fraud
Summary
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.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Reserved judgement in businessman's bid to halt extradition over £5 million tax fraud. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 2007 Incident
- October 2015 Incident
- March 29 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 29, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 25 Adjournment
- 2017-07-05 Publication
Why: In reopened extradition proceedings, Dr Forde said his client was entitled to have a complete re-hearing or "a second shot" because of the 'Brexit' decision. CNI source report
Case subjects
Background Person
Outcome: Thomas Joseph O'Connor (49), with an address at Cloughbeirne, The Walk, Roscommon, was sentenced in his absence to four-and-a-half years in prison in January 2007 for defrauding the British revenue.; Mr O'Connor was remanded on continuing bail until that date.
Places mentioned
- The High Court
- High Court
- Court of Appeal
- Supreme Court
Topics
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