Extradition to UK would raise fair trial issues, lawyers for Gill say

Jonathan Gill, aged 44 and resident in Clontarf, Dublin, appeared before the High Court on 1 May in connection with an extradition application initiated by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Gill is wanted to face prosecution for the murder of Robbie Lawlor, who was shot dead in Belfast on 4 April 2020, and is charged on a joint enterprise basis. He also faces allegations of possessing a 9mm self-loading pistol with intent to endanger life between 2 and 5 April 2020. Both charges carry potential life sentences. The PSNI believes the killing was connected to an ongoing organised crime dispute involving criminal elements across Dublin, Sligo and Drogheda. During the hearing before Mr Justice Sean Gillane, Gill's legal representatives raised substantial concerns regarding the admissibility of proposed evidence under European Union law standards. The barrister argued that divergent interpretations of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and the EU on encrypted phone data could prejudice Gill's entitlement to a fair trial, despite the evidence being lawful under UK court procedures. The defence contended that certain evidence admissible in Northern Irish courts would not satisfy EU legal requirements. The court rejected an application by Gill's legal team seeking additional senior counsel representation. Mr Justice Gillane concluded that the legal arguments were sufficiently clear as presented and declined to adjourn for that purpose. Gill remained in custody pending a bail application scheduled for 6 May. The full extradition hearing has been fixed for 3 June. Gill was arrested on 31 March following a warrant issued by Belfast Magistrates' Court.