A FERMANAGH man has appeared before the High Court in Dublin in connection with extradition proceedings brought by the Belgian authorities.
Cyril McGuinness was convicted and sentenced to jail there in connection with the theft of a number of heavy vehicles and plant machinery subsequently brought to Ireland.
Mr McGuinness (45), Teemore Road, Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, is wanted to serve a seven-year prison sentence imposed in Belgium for his role in the machinery theft.
The European warrant claims Mr McGuinness was an active member of an Irish criminal organisation that stole 20 trucks and cranes in Belgium and the Netherlands between 2006 and 2007.
Mr Justice Michael Peart was told yesterday a warrant seeking McGuinness’s extradition was issued by the High Court in Ghent, Belgium, last year and was later endorsed by the High Court here.
Garda Sgt Seán Fallon of the Garda extradition unit said he had arrested Mr McGuinness earlier yesterday at Navan courthouse.
When asked if he knew what the European warrant was about, Mr McGuinness said he did not.
Dr Michael Forde SC, for Mr McGuinness, said his client was self-employed and intended to apply for legal aid.
He was remanded in custody with consent to bail and returned the matter to later this week.