All-Ireland winner wanted for egg fraud

The High Court will next week hear an application for the extradition to Britain of a former Galway hurling star who is wanted…

The High Court will next week hear an application for the extradition to Britain of a former Galway hurling star who is wanted in connection with an alleged egg fraud.

The British authorities are seeking the surrender of All Ireland winner and businessman Pearse Piggott over his alleged involvement in a multi-million fraud where eggs from caged hens were passed off to British consumers as being free range or organic.

It is alleged production numbers on eggs were altered, the names of the suppliers were incorrect and the fraud netted a profit of some £1.59 million.

Mr Justice Michael Peart yesterday said he would hear the request for the surrender of Mr Piggott (48), Ballylennon, Gort, Co Galway, who runs the egg-distribution firm Pearse Piggott and Sons, next Thursday.

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The judge refused a request by Mr Piggott for the hearing to be adjourned to October.