Extradition to Scotland refused on humanitarian grounds after judge notes severe prison overcrowding

A High Court judge has refused to extradite a man to Scotland on humanitarian grounds, citing severe prison overcrowding and inadequate mental health provision. Mr Justice Paul McDermott found that surrendering Richard Sharples, aged 24, from Dromore West, County Sligo, would expose him to a real and substantial risk of inhuman or degrading treatment. Mr Sharples is wanted by Glasgow Sheriff Court under a European arrest warrant for offences allegedly committed in September 2021, including a firearms offence and serious assault causing injury and endangerment of life. The judge noted that Barlinnie prison operates at 132 per cent capacity, with prisoners confined to cells for 22 hours daily in less than three square metres of space. He found that Scottish prison authorities failed to provide specific assurances regarding care for Mr Sharples' diagnosed conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and Asperger's syndrome. The court heard evidence from a psychiatrist identifying specific support measures necessary in a prison setting.