Ryan case suspect fighting extradition over murder fear.
FIONA DILLON – 13 JANUARY 2014 02:30 PM
A MAN who fled the country after being charged in relation to the murder of RIRA boss Alan Ryan is challenging his extradition.
Ryan (32), a paramilitary leader, was shot dead in north Dublin in September 2012. He was killed as he walked through Clongriffin with two friends.
Unemployed Robert Carroll (27), of Clonee, Co Meath, disappeared last April. He was charged in October 2012 with withholding information aboutRyan's murder.
He was granted bail and disappeared after gardai told him they had information that his life was under threat.
A bench warrant was issued for Carroll's arrest after he failed to turn up for a hearing at Dublin District Court last April.
Garda intelligence subsequently tracked him to Wales, where he was arrested on suspicion of using false travel documents. He is being held on remand in England pending an extradition hearing.
CHALLENGING
However, Carroll is claiming that he had no choice but to jump bail and did so only to protect himself.
It is understood he is challenging his extradition on the grounds that he will be murdered by the IRA if he is returned to Dublin.
During his first court appearance, he was subjected to abuse and taunts from associates of Ryan during a tense hearing.
An organised crime gang is said to have killed Ryan. However, there are suspicions that they were helped by dissident republicans who regarded him as a maverick.
