Courts / Dublin / Report

Supreme Court rejects extradition appeal from "Scottish separatist"

Date
2014-12-13

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Court
Aodhan O'Faolain The Supreme Court

Primary locality
Ballymun

County
Dublin

Summary

The Supreme Court dismissed Adam Busby's appeal against an extradition order to the UK, where he faces terrorism‑related charges. Busby, a 65‑year‑old Irish resident with a Santry Lodge address, is accused of making hoax threats between November 2009 and June 2010, including phone calls to the Scottish Sun and other newspapers, and text messages alleging bombs and poison deliveries. The High Court had ordered his surrender in 2013. The Supreme Court, hearing the appeal on a point of law, ruled that the executing state need not prove it could prosecute the offence on the same basis as the issuing state, citing the European Arrest Warrant system's principle of mutual recognition. The Court granted a short stay of the extradition order, allowing Busby, who has multiple sclerosis and is wheelchair‑bound, to remain on bail until the next High Court hearing. The decision was unanimous by a five‑judge panel led by Chief Justice Susan Denham.