Judge to rule on extradition request for alleged Silk Road suspect

A judge will rule in February on a US extradition request for a Co Wicklow man whom it alleges was an administrator of the Silk Road website which dealt in illegal drugs and hacking software.

Gary Davis (27), Johnstown Court, Kilpedder, is wanted for trial on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, conspiracy to commit computer hacking and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted in the US, he could receive a life sentence.

In opposing the request, Mr Davis claims he suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome and depression.

Among his points of objection, he claims that, if extradited, he will be detained in a inhuman and degrading manner. Lawyers for the State say he should be surrendered to the US.

Concerns on conditions

A sworn statement from the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Prof Juan Mendez, heard in the High Court, said he had concerns about conditions at the facility in New York, the Metropolitan Correctional Centre (MCC), where Mr Davis is likely to be held if extradited.

Remy Farrell SC, for the Attorney General, said there was no evidence Mr Davis would be held in the Special Housing Unit at the MCC.

Assurances have been given Mr Davis’s condition will be monitored should he be extradited, counsel added.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott has reserved his decision and said he hoped to deliver it in early February.