Nicholas Rossi can be extradited to US on rape charges, court rules
The 35-year-old was arrested in the UK more than two years ago
Last updated 2nd Aug 2023
A man wanted for rape charges in the US, can be extradited to America, an Edinburgh court has ruled.
Sheriff McFadyen said: “he is as dishonest and deceitful as he is evasive and manipulative”.
The final decision - on whether he’s sent to Utah - now lies with Scottish Ministers.
Nicholas Rossi appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday morning by videolink from HMP Edinburgh, after claiming to be unwell.
He was bent over at the waist, dressed in a green jumper and did not show his face.
When asked if he is Rossi, he did not answer.
His lawyer Mungo Bovey KC attempted to delay proceedings and asked for Rossi to be excused.
Sheriff Norman McFadyen suggested Rossi attended court by videolink "voluntarily", but in an angry outburst Rossi claimed he had been brought before the camera by "physical force" and he called the sheriff "a disgrace to justice".
READ MORE: Rape suspect wanted in US tells court he cannot raise his arms - after doing so
Rossi, 35, is wanted in the US in connection with alleged offences including rape and is contesting moves by authorities there to have him flown over to face legal proceedings.
He claims to be an Irish orphan called Arthur Knight, a victim of mistaken identity.
READ MORE: Edinburgh court rules man is US rape suspect Nicholas Rossi
The hearing on Wednesday was postponed previously on medical grounds.
Rossi was arrested in the UK more than two years ago in connection with the alleged offences in the US.
He was being treated for Covid-19 at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow when he was detained in December 2021.