Attempt to block Aldhouse extradition appeal dismissed

PHUKET: A “Kafkaesque” attempt by the British Home Secretary to block the extradition appeal of Lee Aldhouse has been dismissed by the British High Court.

Saturday 18 February 2012, 01:41PM

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Aldhouse, who is facing extradition to Thailand for the murder of US Marine Deshawn Longfellow in Phuket in 2010, is now free to proceed with his appeal, according to a report by the Birmingham Mail.

Aldhouse claims extradition to Thailand would be a violation of his human rights due to the inhumane conditions in Thai prisons.

Home Secretary Theresa May had attempted to block his High Court extradition appeal in December last year, claiming Aldhouse had not properly informed the Home Office of his decision to appeal the original extradition ruling.

But the judges dismissed Mrs May’s claims, labelling them “Kafkaesque” and adding that Aldhouse’s concerns were “far from frivolous”, meaning his appeal will be heard.

The term Kafkaesque refers to a senseless, disorientating and deliberately menacing use of bureaucratic process.

The Home Office told The Phuket News yesterday that no date has been set for the conclusion of Aldhouse’s hearing.