Courts / Cork / Report
Alleged fatal Maserati crash fugitive claims extradition would put life at risk
Summary
The High Court heard an application for the surrender of Samuel Joseph Tucker, a 23-year-old US citizen arrested in Cork in August 2018. US authorities seek his extradition to face charges arising from a June 2017 crash in Florida that allegedly killed passenger Alyssa Kay Vice. The warrant charges Tucker with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 grams/dL or more resulting in property damage on two counts, each carrying a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment. Count three charges him with driving under the influence manslaughter, carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years. Counsel for the Minister for Justice, Elva Duffy BL, stated the primary charge is count three. Tucker's counsel, Simon Donagh BL, objected, arguing that the US offence lacks the 'mens rea' required for corresponding Irish offences, breaching constitutional rights, and that no formal request was made for count three. Tucker also alleged his life was at risk if extradited. The court heard that Tucker was remanded in continuing custody until the judge delivers his ruling on Monday.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Alleged fatal Maserati crash fugitive claims extradition would put life at risk. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 2018 Incident
- June 24, 2017 Incident
- September 26, 2017 Incident
- 2019-01-16 Publication
Why: It is also alleged that Mr Tucker fled the US in order to avoid his trial. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Outcome: Counts one and two of the warrant charge Mr Tucker of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 grams/dL of blood or more resulting in property damage, with each count carrying a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment.; Mr Tucker was remanded in continuing custody until that date.
Places mentioned
- High Court
- The Circuit Court
Topics
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