Gangland murders suspect drops fight against extradition

No reasons given on U-turn amid London hearings

- By Richard Elias

Killed... Lyons Jnr and Monaghan were shot at bar, inset

THE man suspected of shooting dead two notorious Scottish gangsters in a Spanish bar has unexpectedly dropped his bid to fight extradition from the UK.

Michael Riley was arrested a fortnight after Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr were gunned down at Monaghans Bar in Fuengirola, on the Costa del Sol, on May 31.

The 44-year-old Merseysider had instructed his legal team to reject attempts to have him sent back to Spain. But yesterday it was revealed Riley has now agreed to the move.

There has not been any explanation in court as to why his stance has changed. But the development came during the latest extradition hearing held at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London.

During the brief hearing, in which Riley was not present, court papers were produced which stated that he “consents to extradition to Spain in custody” under the terms of section 46(6) of the Extradition Act 2003.