George Hepburne Scott instructed in globally reported extradition case - Chloe Ayling Kidnapping Case: Michal Herba Extradition to Italy
Updated: Oct 2
George Hepburne Scott instructed in globally reported extradition case: George Hepburne Scott represented Michal Herba in the high-profile UK extradition proceedings arising from the alleged kidnapping of British model Chloe Ayling in Italy.
The case attracted extensive national and international media attention and concerned an extradition request from the Italian judicial authorities under a European Arrest Warrant.
Italy sought Michal Herba's extradition in connection with the alleged kidnapping of Chloe Ayling in Milan in July 2017.
Extradition proceedings against Michal Herba
Michal Herba was arrested in the United Kingdom following the issue of a European Arrest Warrant by the Italian authorities.
Italy sought his extradition in connection with the alleged kidnapping of British model Chloe Ayling in Milan in July 2017. The allegation was that Herba had acted with others in the kidnapping and detention of Ms Ayling for the purpose of obtaining a ransom.
The extradition proceedings were heard at Westminster Magistrates' Court before District Judge Paul Goldspring. The request was considered under Part 1 of the Extradition Act 2003.
Challenges to extradition
The case raised a number of issues under UK extradition law.
The defence challenged the adequacy of the information contained in the European Arrest Warrant and raised arguments concerning the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping.
The defence also relied upon Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights and argued that extradition would interfere disproportionately with Herba's private and family life.
The highly unusual circumstances surrounding the allegations were also examined during the proceedings. The defence identified a number of matters which it argued cast doubt upon the account of the alleged kidnapping.
Westminster Magistrates' Court decision
District Judge Goldspring ultimately rejected the challenges and ordered Michal Herba's extradition to Italy.
The District Judge concluded that the European Arrest Warrant contained sufficient information for the purposes of the Extradition Act 2003 and rejected the other statutory and human rights challenges to extradition.
Following the decision, Herba continued to deny involvement in the alleged kidnapping and the extradition decision was appealed.
High Court extradition appeal
The case subsequently proceeded to the High Court as Herba v Italian Judicial Authority [2018] EWHC 3211 (Admin).
The appeal was heard by Lady Justice Sharp and Mrs Justice Carr. One of the central issues was whether the European Arrest Warrant complied with the requirements of section 2(4)(c) of the Extradition Act 2003.
George Hepburne Scott appeared for Michal Herba in the High Court appeal alongside Mark Summers QC.
The High Court ultimately dismissed the appeal and upheld the extradition order.
International media coverage
The Chloe Ayling case generated extensive media interest in the United Kingdom and internationally.
The extradition proceedings against Michal Herba, including the arguments advanced on his behalf, were reported by major national and international news organisations.
George Hepburne Scott was interviewed and quoted in connection with the extradition proceedings, with coverage of the case appearing across television, newspapers and online media.
George Hepburne-Scott was interviewed by 60 Minutes about the Chloe Ayling case and the extradition proceedings involving Michal Herba.
Representation
George Hepburne Scott represented Michal Herba in the UK extradition proceedings arising from the Chloe Ayling case.
He subsequently appeared for Herba in the High Court extradition appeal alongside Mark
Summers QC.
The extradition proceedings at Westminster Magistrates' Court were determined by District Judge Paul Goldspring, with the subsequent High Court appeal heard by Lady Justice Sharp and Mrs Justice Carr.
