US fugitive Nicholas Rossi refused to leave prison to attend his extradition hearing - but the case was adjourned for nearly four months despite the no-show.
His lawyer later said Rossi was suffering “psychological distress” and his mental health had been worsening in recent weeks. Rossi’s KC, Mungo Bovey, argued the defence weren’t properly prepared as their expert witnesses had not compiled their reports. Sheriff McFadyen said if Rossi were to “part company with his legal team” then the accused should be ready to proceed “represented or unrepresented”.The court was earlier told expert medical, prison and legal reports were being sought by the defence.He added the delays were affecting Rossi, who was showing a “degree of psychological distress which is apparently exacerbated by the court proceedings and being incarcerated”.
The defence would also highlight the possibility that Rossi could face further charges if extradited to the US, he added.