NI man on Interpol wanted list appears in court

A 72-year-old man, who has appeared on an Interpol wanted list over alleged hate crime offences in the United States, has appeared before a court in Belfast.

Liam Mackin, of Brookland Court in Dunmurry, is accused of causing several thousand dollars worth of graffiti damage on six properties in Flager County, Florida, and is facing extradition to stand trial.

He was detained at Musgrave Police Station on Thursday morning under an international arrest warrant issued by the US.

Defence lawyers said Mr Mackin strenuously denies the allegations and does not consent to the extradition request.

Mr Mackin, who was using a crutch and sat throughout the short hearing, did not speak.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 14 years in the US, and the court heard on Thursday it now has 65 days to produce this warrant.

Adjourning proceedings until May, Judge Gilpin granted bail to Mr Mackin under strict conditions.

He was ordered to surrender his IDs, to reside at his home address in Northern Ireland and check in with police once a week.