An American man who absconded from the US while on bail on charges relating to the deaths of three students in a car crash has claimed his life will be in danger if extradited there because of death threats made against him.
Frederick David Russell (26) had received death threats in the US following the crash on June 4 th, 2001 near his home town of Pullman, Washington, his counsel, Mr Tom O'Connell SC, said.
Mr Justice Michael Peart today began hearing proceedings by Mr Russell aimed at preventing his extradition to the US. He is alleged to have absconded while on bail on charges imposed in Washington State on three counts of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.
He also faces a charges arising out of the alleged cashing of a cheque on his father's account.
He was arrested in a Dublin city centre shop by gardai last November.
At the time of his arrest, Mr Russell had been living under an alias with his girlfriend in Celbridge. He was working as a security guard at a women's clothing store in the city centre at the time of his arrest.
It is alleged by the US authorities that Mr Russell's Chevrolet SUV hit a car carrying students from the nearby Washington State University on June 4th 2001. The students, all aged in their early 20s, were returning to campus after seeing a movie. Three were killed while three more were seriously injured. Police found alcohol and cannabis in Mr Russel's system after the crash.
Mr Russell, who suffered only minor injuries, was later charged in connection with the incident and released on bail. In submissions, Mr O'Connell said the American's life would be at risk if he is extradited.
In an affidavit, Mr Russell said that when he left the US, he was in fear of his life. He said he had received numerous threats and attacks, the threats were both of a physical and verbal nature and were directly attributable to his alleged involvement in the road traffic accident.
"I took these threats very seriously as firearms are readily available in the US," he said.
Prior to a preliminary legal hearing, he received a threat that he would be killed if he did not receive a life sentence, he said.
Mr George Bermingham SC, for the State, submitted there were no grounds to refuse the extradition application.
The court was told Mr Russell was released on €5,000 bail and was due at a preliminary hearing on October 26th, 2001 but he did not turn up.
Mr Justice Peart adjourned the hearing to March 14th.