Court postpones ruling on extradition to US

The High Court has postponed its decision on whether to extradite a man wanted in the United States on charges of causing the…

The High Court has postponed its decision on whether to extradite a man wanted in the United States on charges of causing the deaths of three students in a car crash.

Frederick David Russell (26) is challenging his extradition.

He is alleged to have skipped bail granted on three charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault near his home town of Pullman in Washington State on June 4th, 2001.

He also faces two charges of fraud arising out of the alleged cashing of cheques on his father's account.

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Mr Justice Michael Peart had been due to make his ruling today but delayed the case for one month. No reason for the postponement was given.

Mr Russell's vehicle allegedly crashed into a car carrying and from the nearby Washington State University. Three students were killed, while three more were seriously injured. Mr Russell was later charged and released on bail.

He fled to Ireland and was arrested in a Dublin city centre shop by gardaí last November. At the time of the arrest, Mr Russell had been living under an alias with his girlfriend in Celbridge, Co Kildare.

His lawyer told the High Court in March that he fears he could be exposed to male rape if incarcerated in the United States. Mr Russell could end up being segregated from other prisoners and face-24 hour lock-up with only one hour for exercise a day, the court heard.

He has been on remand in Cloverhill prison.