Courts / Limerick / Report
UK Extradition order quashed for woman convicted in absentia of money laundering
Summary
The High Court has quashed an extradition order for Kathleen Sharina McCarthy, a woman with links to Rathkeale, Co Limerick, who was convicted in absentia of a money laundering offence involving £220,000. Ms Justice Niamh Hyland overturned the December 2024 surrender order, ruling that McCarthy should not be extradited to the UK because she was unaware her trial could proceed in her absence. The appeal challenged the Minister for Justice's decision under the UK's Trade and Co-operation Agreement, stemming from a November 2017 conviction at Lewes Crown Court. Although McCarthy was charged in October 2016 and required to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court, she failed to attend a January 2017 pre-trial hearing, leading to an 'in absentia' trial. The court found no direct evidence that McCarthy was expressly informed of the consequences of non-attendance or that she could be tried in absentia. Consequently, the High Court refused the surrender, concluding that the evidence was insufficient to infer she knew the trial would proceed without her. The matter was adjourned regarding further procedural steps, though the immediate surrender order was quashed.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: UK Extradition order quashed for woman convicted in absentia of money laundering. Charges or matters: a money laundering offence that saw £220,000 pass through her bank account should not be extradited as she was unaware her trial could proceed in her absence, the High Court has ruled; the offences, given police bail and required to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court in December 2016. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- December 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 2024 Incident
- November 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2016 Incident
- December 2016 Incident
- January 2017 Incident
- October 2017 Incident
- June 2016 Incident
- 2026-03-02 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: a money laundering offence that saw £220,000 pass through her bank account should not be extradited as she was unaware her trial could proceed in her absence, the High Court has ruled; the offences, given police bail and required to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court in December 2016 (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted
Places mentioned
Topics
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