Louth man wanted in Lithuania walks free

State not to bring Supreme Court appeal against refusal to extradite Brendan McGuigan

Mr Justice John Edwards told Brendan McGuigan he was free to go. Photograph: Eric Luke
Mr Justice John Edwards told Brendan McGuigan he was free to go. Photograph: Eric Luke

The State will not bring a Supreme Court challenge against the refusal of the High court to extradite Louth man Brendan McGuigan to Lithuania, where he is wanted on terrorism and firearms charges.

The 33-year-old, of Knocknagoran, Omeath, was linked to a Real IRA plot to buy weapons and explosives in the Baltic State.

Lawyers for the Minister for Justice and Equality yesterday told the High Court they would not be requesting a certificate for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The State can seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court against an extradition judgment on the basis that the case raises a point of law of exceptional public importance.

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Giollaiosa Ó Lideadha SC, for Mr McGuigan, asked that the extradition court formally make the order not to grant the release of his client to the Lithuanian authorities.

He said the court should also discharge Mr McGuigan of any remaining bail conditions.

Mr Justice John Edwards said the court would make both orders and told Mr McGuigan he was free to go.

Mr McGuigan’s extradition was sought by the Lithuanian authorities, who allege that he and others went to Lithuania in August 2007 and tried to buy firearms, ammunition and explosive devices there.

Last month the High Court ruled it was not going to surrender Mr McGuigan arising out of concerns about prison conditions in Lithuania.