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 the men would face trial in this territory, defence attorneys argued this week.
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 in a lawful way when he signed the 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 of the governor. “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 Office, there was nothing irrational, abusive or unfair about the signing of the order, which was made after developments in the case and further discussion with US authorities.
The matter continues in High Court.
See the Feb. 13, 2014 issue for full coverage.