District Judge Griffiths discharged BQ at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, finding that the extradition request for him did not comply with the requirements of the Extradition Act 2003.
The warrant sought BQ’s surrender to be prosecuted in respect of an allegation relating to high-value theft of cosmetic goods. The District Judge discharged BQ, finding that the warrant did not contain sufficient particulars, and failed to describe conduct which would amount to an offence in this jurisdiction. The Belgian authorities had previously sought more time to obtain additional information, but that application had been refused.
Additional grounds had been raised on BQ’s behalf relating to Article 3 and Article 8 ECHR, and whether there had been a decision to try BQ taken by the relevant Belgian authorities. However, those matters were not addressed as the Belgian authorities conceded the validity of the warrant at the extradition hearing.
BQ was represented by Jonathan Swain, part of 9BR Chambers’ Extradition & Interpol Team. Jonathan was instructed by Ruta Mikailaite of Taylor Rose MW.