Courts / Ireland / Report
Double-killer's transfer to open prison hampered by European Arrest Warrant, cour hears
Summary
A convicted murderer, Derek Wade, has been granted leave to challenge the Minister for Justice over a separate conviction in Portugal, which is affecting his ability to transfer to an open prison. Wade is serving a life sentence for the murder of Zhi Song and a five-year sentence for attempted robbery. He also received a seven-year sentence for the murder of William Cahill. A European Arrest Warrant issued by Portuguese authorities seeks his surrender to serve a two-year and four-month sentence for thefts committed in 2005. Wade's lawyers argue that the outstanding warrant has caused him prejudice in his efforts to progress within the prison system, particularly in moving to an open prison. The High Court has granted leave for a judicial review, and the case is adjourned to February. Wade's next parole hearing is in December 2026, and his legal team is seeking a decision from the Minister for Justice on transferring the Portuguese sentence to Ireland.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Double-killer's transfer to open prison hampered by European Arrest Warrant, cour hears. Charges or matters: the thefts in his absence in 2009 in Portugal, when he was in custody here. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- June 2005 Incident
- August 2022 Incident
- June 2023 Adjournment
- January 2024 Adjournment
- December 2026 Adjournment
- 2025-12-02 Publication
Why: Double-Killer Derek Wade says his rehabilitation and ability to move to an open prison in Ireland is being prejudiced because he cannot be granted bail with the Portuguese extradition warrant outstanding, affecting his parole efforts. CNI source report
Case subjects
Background Person
Charges: the thefts in his absence in 2009 in Portugal, when he was in custody here (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Wade is serving a life sentence having been found guilty by a jury in 2007 of the murder of Chinese student Zhi Song, whom Wade stabbed to death with a chef's carving knife after breaking into his house in June 2005. Wade (45), formerly of Church Avenue South, Rialto, has also served a separate seven-year sentence for killing William Cahill (28) in a flat complex off James's Street in 1997.; Wade had objected to his surrender on a number of grounds, including the delay in issuing the warrant, and the consequences of being remanded in custody.
Convicted Person
Charges: the thefts in his absence in 2009 in Portugal, when he was in custody here (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: European Arrest Warrant issued by Portuguese authorities in August 2022, sought the surrender of Wade to Portugal to enforce a sentence of two years and four months' imprisonment for both aggravated and petty theft committed in June 2005.; Wade had objected to his surrender on a number of grounds, including the delay in issuing the warrant, and the consequences of being remanded in custody.
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Reuben Avenue
- James's Street
- Church Avenue
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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