GARRY MANN WINS LEGAL DELAY IN EXTRADITION TO PORTUGUESE JAIL

THE TIMES - JENNY BOOTH

England football fan Garry Mann has won a temporary legal stay from being extradited to serve two years in a Portuguese jail for hooliganism.

The former Kent firefighter, 52, was convicted six years ago over a riot during the Euro 2004 tournament, but has always claimed that his trial was unfair.

The Serious and Organised Crime Agency told him that the date to send him to Portugal had been fixed for May 5, but this afternoon the High Court in London imposed a temporary injunction blocking the move pending a hearing.

The development was revealed by Jago Russell, chief executive of Fair Trials International.

“We are delighted to say that the High Court has granted an injunction to stop Garry Mann being extradited until May 7,” Mr Russell said. “They’ve set a time for a hearing of Garry’s case at the High Court at 10.30am on May 7.”

Mr Russell added: “Today’s decision means we can continue the battle to stop Garry Mann becoming another victim of Europe’s fast-track extradition system.

“We hope the High Court will take this opportunity to deliver justice and stop Garry being torn from his family and flown to Portugal to serve a two year sentence.”