Duffy is accused of soldier's gun death
Courtpix
Declan Duffy pictured outside the High Court.
Friday May 22 2009
A SECOND man wanted by British authorities over the shooting dead of an unarmed British soldier in England more than 17 years ago has appeared before the High Court.
Declan Derek Patrick Duffy (35) originally from Armagh, but now of Hanover St West, Dublin, is being sought under a European Arrest Warrant alleging he murdered Sergeant Michael Newman (34) on April 13, 1992, outside an army careers office in Derby where the soldier worked.
Sgt Newman, a father-of-one, was shot in the head and died the following day. The INLA later claimed responsibility.
Extradition
Duffy is also facing a charge that he conspired to commit murder on dates between January 1, 1992 and April 13, 1992. He is currently in custody on domestic matters.
Another man is also facing extradition proceedings in relation the same matter. Anthony Patrick Gorman (39) originally from Co Armagh, but now of Bailieborough, Cavan, appeared before the High Court earlier this month and was later remanded on bail pending the hearing of the extradition proceedings.
Yesterday at the High Court, amid tight security, Mr Justice Michael Peart remanded Duffy in custody to appear again later this month.
Duffy, dressed in a cream jacket and sunglasses, did not speak during the brief hearing.
Det Sgt Jim Kirwan, of the Garda Extradition Unit, told the court that yesterday morning he arrested Duffy at the Four Courts in Dublin on foot of a warrant endorsed by the High Court earlier this year.
Nationality
Duffy acknowledged his name, age and place of birth. How-ever, when asked if his nationality was British, the court was told he made no reply.
The detective, in reply to counsel for the State, said that when Duffy was asked if he knew about the charges contained on the arrest warrant, he replied: "I know."
Earlier this month at the Special Criminal Court, Duffy pleaded guilty to membership of the INLA.
However, he publicly disassociated himself from the organisation before the three judge court. He is currently awaiting sentence.
The judge also informed Duffy he had a right to consent to his surrender should he so desire.
hnews@herald.ie
- Tim Healy
