An order made by Governor Boyd McCleary to begin a second round of extradition hearings against Earl “Bob” Hodge and three other men undermined a High Court decision that they should face trial in this territory, according to defence attorneys.
Mr. Hodge, Roberto Harrigan, Chad Skelton and Carlston Beazer sat shoulder to shoulder in the defendants’ box during the proceedings that will ultimately decide whether or not they will be extradited to the United States to face drug, conspiracy, and money laundering charges.
According to Mr. Hodge’s attorney, Julian Knowles, QC, the governor did not act lawfully when he signed an order to proceed — a legal document that sets the extradition process into motion — on Oct. 12, 2012.
“He, personally, is the gatekeeper of these proceedings,” Mr. Knowles said Monday during a three-day judicial review. “He has discretion, but he must act properly and in accordance with the law in depriving these men of their liberty.”
According to the Attorney General’s Chambers, however, there was nothing irrational, abusive or unfair about the order, which was made after developments in the case and further discussion with US authorities.
The extradition hearing is scheduled to conclude Wednesday afternoon. High Court Justice Vicki Ann Ellis, who oversaw this week’s proceedings, is likely to issue a written judgment.
See the Feb. 13, 2014 edition for full coverage.
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