George Hepburne Scott wins contested extradition High Court bail application
George’s client was granted conditional bail by Ellenbogen J following a contested hearing on 14 November 2024, in the case of L.L. v Hungary.
The case involved historical theft offences for which a sentence of two years had been imposed. The client’s extradition had been ordered and he had been refused permission to appeal on the papers.
His case is listed for a Renewal Hearing on 21 November, there was a risk that the Judge might conclude this was very proximate and refuse bail on this basis. However, George successfully submitted that applicant had submitted a claim for asylum due to Roma Gypsy discrimination, unfortunately prevalent in Hungary, therefore his actual removal will be statute-barred under s.121 of the Extradition Act 2003.
The heart of the application was the applicant’s deteriorating eye-condition of retina vein occlusion (RVO), which is being inadequately treated in HMP Wandsworth causing permanent damage to his eyesight. It was submitted that this provided a powerful protective factor in favour of bail. This was his 6th application for bail.
George was instructed by Ceylon Giles of Lansbury Worthington.
