Irish chef Mr Conrad Gallagher is likely to face an extradition hearing in 30 days on charges of stealing three paintings from a Dublin restaurant, a US prosecutor handling the case has said.
Ms Lisa Treinis Gatz told The Irish Times she is expecting a rapid decision in the case. "Personally, I think it would be a very quick decision. The extradition papers say what they say, and it shouldn't be too difficult."
She said she was waiting for Mr Gallagher's free legal aid attorney to contact her with a suitable date within the next month. "We're just waiting for him to come back on a date for the extradition hearing. The hearing itself will take one day and should be scheduled for the next 30 days. It should only take one day because it's mostly documentary evidence."
She said Mr Gallagher had not indicated what kind of evidence he was likely to present to prevent the extradition.
Mr Gallagher was arraigned at a federal court in Brooklyn, New York, on Friday on charges he stole three paintings worth $50,000 from the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin, and is being held in prison until the case comes to court.