Custody time limits have been extended in the case of Mr John Gilligan, who is awaiting extradition to Ireland to face charges which include the murder of the journalist Veronica Guerin. At Woolwich Crown Court yesterday Mr Gilligan's trial in Britain on drug-trafficking offences was also adjourned pending a ruling in the High Court this month on an appeal against his extradition.
Mr Shane Colleary, prosecuting, told Mr Justice James Rucker that part of Mr Gilligan's appeal related to the extension of custody time limits granted on October 30th. The ruling, he warned, may find that "we were wrong to apply and your honour was wrong to extend on that occasion".
Mr Gilligan was remanded in custody until January 19th.