Judge Rules Extradition of British Speedboat Killer Not To Be Fast Tracked

On 29 January, a Georgian judge ruled that the extradition of British speedboat killer Jack Shepherd will not be fast-tracked.

Shepherd is avoiding returning back to the UK, claiming he fears for his safety. He declined the opportunity for Georgia to send him back to the UK which has delayed his extradition.

He will remain in prison in Georgia for the next 3 months and he will continue to fight his extradition.

The family of Charlotte Brown, who died when driving a speedboat with Shepherd, told ITV news: “We as a family just want to see Shepherd extradited back to the UK however long it takes.”

Speaking after the court hearing, Shepherd’s lawyer in Georgia, Marian Kublashvili said “I met him (Shepherd) yesterday, he felt well and normal. No dangers. He is safe. He thinks to stay here is more safe - better for his case.”

Shepherd is currently being held at a pre-trial detention center in Tbilisi. The British Embassy in Tbilisi has said authorities from the UK and Georgia are “cooperating very closely.”

By Amy Jones

Photo source: Reuters