Courts / Donegal / Report
Judge wants more information on strip searches in NI prison before extradition decision
Summary
A High Court judge has requested further information on strip searches in a Northern Ireland prison before deciding on the extradition of an unnamed 40-year-old defendant. The defendant, Mr Damien Joseph McLaughlin, was arrested in County Donegal last March under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Northern Ireland authorities. He is wanted in connection with the murder of prison officer David Black in 2012, as well as charges related to engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism and being a member of a proscribed organisation. The maximum penalties applicable to each of the four offences are ten years, 15 years, and two penalties of life imprisonment. The judge rejected claims that restrictions on movement or strip searches in Maghaberry prison would constitute inhuman or degrading treatment. However, she noted that the use of full-body searches may be unnecessary due to available technology, as indicated by credible evidence from a Joint Oireachtas Committee. The judge requested further information from the Minister for Justice and the UK regarding the use of such technology. A resumed hearing will take place on November 21, and Mr McLaughlin was remanded in custody until that date.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge wants more information on strip searches in NI prison before extradition decision. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 1st, 2012 Incident
- November 21 Adjournment
- 2017-10-20 Publication
Why: Ms Justice Donnelly said she also rejected the respondent's claim that he would be at real risk of being exposed to inhuman and degrading treatment because of the manner in which the strip-searches will be carried out. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Outcome: The maximum penalties applicable to each of the four offences are ten years, 15 years and two penalties of life imprisonment.; A resumed hearing will take place on November 21 and Mr McLaughlin was remanded in custody until that date.
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Northern Ireland prison
- Maghaberry prison
- Portlaoise
- Portlaoise Prison
- Roe House
Topics
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