Courts / Fermanagh / Report
"Unfair" to extradite man over 1972 Enniskillen murder, lawyers say
Summary
A man arrested on a European Arrest Warrant faces extradition proceedings in the High Court over allegations connected to a 1972 bombing in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. John Downey, aged 67, is wanted by Northern Irish authorities to stand trial for the murder of two British Army soldiers and aiding and abetting an explosion on 25 August 1972 on the Irvinestown Road. The device killed Lance Corporal Alfred Johnston and Private James Eames. Mr Downey was arrested at his home in Creeslough, County Donegal, in November. His counsel argued that extradition would be unfair, citing concerns about the integrity of evidence, the death of key prosecution witnesses, and a previous direction against prosecution issued in 1985. The defence also referenced controversies surrounding Mr Downey's involvement in an earlier case regarding the 1982 Hyde Park bombing. The Minister for Justice's counsel countered that fairness could be remedied through proper legal process. Justice Aileen Donnelly reserved judgment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Unfair" to extradite man over 1972 Enniskillen murder, lawyers say. Charges or matters: murder of two British Army Infantrymen; aiding and abetting the causing of an explosion on August 25, 1972. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- August 25, 1972 Incident
- February 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-01-28 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murder of two British Army Infantrymen; aiding and abetting the causing of an explosion on August 25, 1972 (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
- Hyde Park
- London Hyde Park
- Irvinestown
- Irvinestown Road
- Enniskillen
- Creeslough
- Donegal
- High Court
- Hyde Park
- Mr Downey's house
Topics
Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime
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