Courts / Fermanagh / Report

Downey to launch Supreme Court bid to halt extradition over 1972 murder

Summary

John Downey has lost a Court of Appeal challenge seeking to prevent his extradition to Northern Ireland in connection with the 1972 Enniskillen bombing. The 67-year-old, arrested in November 2018 at his home in Creeslough, Co Donegal, faces charges relating to the deaths of two British Army soldiers, Lance Corporal Alfred Johnston and Private James Eames, who were killed on 25 August 1972 when an explosive device detonated near Enniskillen. The High Court in Dublin ordered his extradition in March. The Court of Appeal upheld that decision today, with Mr Justice Michael Peart ruling that challenges based on an alleged "comfort letter" issued by the UK Government should be determined by Northern Irish courts rather than in extradition proceedings. Mr Downey's legal representatives indicated they intend to appeal to the Supreme Court. He remains on bail pending that application.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Downey to launch Supreme Court bid to halt extradition over 1972 murder. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• August 25, 1972 Incident
• February 2014 Incident
• July 20, 2007 Other
• July 12 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-07-03 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report