Irishman contesting extradition order
Irish Joseph Anthony O’Connor, 58, is contesting an extradition order by the US authorities within the southern district of California.
He is being accused of discharging contaminates in San Diego Bay between January and April 2006. An indictment by the Grand Jury and a warrant of arrest by the US Department of Justice were issued against him in August 2007.
His defence team, led by lawyer Joe Giglio, argued that Mr O’Connor lived in Malta where he had a tug boat business employing 30 people.
In asking for bail, Dr Giglio said “he is not just going to throw away everything by breaching bail conditions”.
He said that just because he was wanted by the US authorities, Mr O’Connor was not going to pack up his bags and leave especially since he had 30 employees depending on him.
Elaine Rizzo, from the Attorney General’s office, asked the court to deny bail because of the nature of the charges and because he faced 33 years in prison if found guilty. She said he already absconded from the US and did not have a family here.
But Dr Giglio said Mr O’Connor left the US through the normal channels and not because he absconded.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Petrol price up 6c
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
3 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
J.Cini
Jul 16th 2009, 22:58
@ B.Millam
Have you ever heard of : "Equal Justice for all-without prejudice?"
Have you ever heard of : "Discriminating against the under dog?"
Have you ever heard of : "Selective, opportunistic justice?"
Bill Millam
Jul 16th 2009, 18:04
@ J Cini,
Have you ever heard of the expression "Two wrongs don't make a right" ????
Take your argument to the courts and see if it holds up!
http://www.epa.gov/fugitives/#oconnor
Bill Millam
Los Angeles
J.Cini
Jul 16th 2009, 15:16
Before a decision is made, keep in mind that thanks to the U.S. justice system, a certain Chilean navy officer is still sought by the Maltese authorities on a charge of attempted murder. In 1999, the said "brave" officer, with help from his amigos, allegedly stabbed repeatedly with a knife an unarmed man and then beat a hasty and cowardly retreat from Malta back in 1999. Although he was eventually detained by the U.S. authorities, they subsequently released him quoting "lack of sufficient evidence"!!!
Of course the U.S.A. is very willing to discard any notion of justice towards Malta and its people when it must choose between Malta and Chile. Now that they need our help : "Lest We Forget"
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2005/12/11/t2.html