The High Court has ordered James Fawl to be surrendered to Northern Ireland to face prosecution over three alleged assaults on Christmas Day 2020.
Mr Justice Patrick McGrath rejected Mr Fawl's objections to surrender under a Trade and Co-Operation Agreement warrant issued by Belfast Crown Court.
The warrant alleges that on 25 December 2020 Mr Fawl punched his partner's father, causing him to lose all vision in his left eye. It also alleges that he struck his partner and her mother on their arms and bodies, causing bruising. These remain allegations and have not been determined by a trial court.
Mr Fawl was charged in Northern Ireland and committed for trial. After being released on bail, he failed to attend court on 31 August 2021 and a warrant was issued for his arrest. The extradition warrant followed in October 2022. He was arrested in Ireland in October 2024 and later released on bail pending the surrender proceedings.
Mr Fawl argued that surrender should be refused partly because of prison conditions and mental health services in Northern Ireland. He told the court he had longstanding mental health difficulties and took antipsychotic medication.
The judge found that the evidence did not establish a real risk that Mr Fawl would receive inadequate healthcare or treatment if detained in Northern Ireland. General reports identified shortcomings including overcrowding, drug misuse and delays in mental health services, but they did not establish the necessary individual risk in his case.
The court also rejected his argument that surrender would disproportionately interfere with his family and personal life in Cork. The evidence did not meet the high threshold required.
A further objection concerning possible future restrictions on travelling outside the UK while serving part of any sentence on licence was also dismissed. The court held that such restrictions could lawfully form part of a sentencing and rehabilitation regime.
The High Court therefore ordered Mr Fawl's surrender to Northern Ireland.