Bell Yard Clients

Jeremy Crook

Jeremy Crook and Extradition: As a result of our work for the NatWest 3, Jerry approached Bell Yard to seek its support for continuing the fight against certain provisions in the 2003 Extradition Act. Crook was indicted by the US Department of Justice in 2004 amid allegations of conspiring to defraud shareholders of a US software company - Peregrine Systems Inc - of which he was Vice-President of European Operations until October 2001. He vehemently denies any wrongdoing.

Crook sought to surrender himself voluntarily to the US to confront the allegations against him and to uncover the evidence the DoJ alleges it has against him which would give rise to his extradition. However, the UK authorities, at a hearing to return his passport in order that he could go to the US, refused to allow him the return of his passport and insisted that he had to follow extradition procedures - ie the arrival of US marshalls to escort him shackled on a plane to the US.

Bell Yard considers his a highly significant case as it exemplifies the flaws of the Extradition Act in relation to the paucity of evidence required to ensure the extradition of British citizens.

Bell Yard continues to work towards securing incorporation of amendments on the evidential tests and the issue of natural forum into the Police & Justice Bill which returns to the House of Commons in October."

BBC Web Site (mouseover)

Evening Standard (mouseover)

top