The American who fled the UK after being charged with causing a mental health nurse serious injury by alleged dangerous driving is to be extradited back to the UK.
Tonight, a US judge denied Isac Calderon’s petition to have the case against him thrown out and ruled he should be removed from the US and handed to UK authorities. In his ruling, Justice Peter Bray of the District Court in southern Texas wrote: “The court finds that Isac Alejandro Calderon is extraditable to the United Kingdom for the offence for which extradition was requested.
“The court hereby certifies this finding to the Secretary of State as required. It is ordered that a warrant may issue for the surrender of the defendant to the proper authorities in the United Kingdom in accordance with the Extradition Treaty between the United States of America and the United Kingdom. “It is hereby ordered that Isac Alejandro Calderon is committed to the custody of the United States Marshal, or his authorised representative, to be confined in an appropriate facility and to remain until he is surrendered to the United Kingdom pursuant to applicable provisions of the Treaty and United States law.”
The Mirror understands UK police will now move swiftly to have the 23-year-old taken from Houston, Texas, and brought back to Britain to face trial.
Calderon was detained in Texas last month following an application for his return by West Mercia Police. He is accused of being responsible for a car crash in July last year, which left 57-year-old Elizabeth Donowho unable to walk for six weeks.
Calderon was due to appear at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on December 1 following the incident on the A4103 near Shucknall in Herefordshire. He was labelled a potential “flight risk” by police but was able to leave the UK on a commercial flight to Texas on November 25.The documents allege he was seen “dangerously overtaking several vehicles at high speed before crossing the solid white lines marking a no passing zone,” resulting in a head-on collision with a vehicle driven by Ms Donowho.
The court report stated Mr Calderon had told authorities in the UK that he would not be leaving the country until March 2024, but in fact he left the country on 25 November 2023.The US magistrate judge concluded he was a flight risk, and stated: “He was told that he would be charged with a crime in the UK and left the country before his court date. “Because his conduct would be punishable by more than a year in jail, both in the United States and the United Kingdom, it is considered an extraditable offence.
The court added that it found “probable cause” that Mr Calderon committed the offences for which extradition was sought. This is a requirement for extradition but the court is not required to show guilt.
It is unclear when Mr Calderon will be extradited, and neither the UK Home Office or US Justice Department would comment on the matter. This is a lower threshold than the usual criminal standard of beyond reasonable doubt in order to secure a conviction, however. The US court concluded there was “virtually no possibility that Calderon will appear in court in the UK of his own,” adding that he hoped there was a means by which the US government would transport him free of charge.
A Home Office spokesperson said it was longstanding government policy that it does not comment on individual cases.A Justice Department spokesperson said: “As a matter of long-standing policy, for safety and security concerns of the escorting law enforcement officers, the Justice Department doesn’t comment on the timing of potential extradition surrenders. “West Mercia Police said the force would not comment while court proceedings are ongoing.
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UK Background of the Case
The individual, whose name has not been disclosed, was initially involved in a series of driving infractions in the UK while visiting on a tourist visa. Authorities in the UK allege that these infractions include several serious traffic violations, which, under British law, carry substantial penalties.
Following the alleged incidents, UK law enforcement issued a warrant for the man’s arrest. When he returned to the US, British authorities requested his extradition to face these charges. The case quickly gained traction, sparking discussions about the fairness and implications of international legal cooperation.
Extradition Process
Extradition is a legal process where one country formally requests the surrender of a person accused or convicted of a crime to stand trial or serve a sentence in another country. The decision to extradite can be influenced by numerous factors, including the nature of the offense, the evidence presented, and the legal agreements between the countries involved.
In this particular case, the extradition request has prompted a rigorous examination by US legal authorities. They are tasked with ensuring that the individual’s rights are upheld and that the extradition request complies with international treaties and domestic laws.
Legal and Diplomatic Implications
The case underscores the intricate web of international law and the importance of bilateral agreements between countries. The US and UK share an extradition treaty that facilitates the transfer of individuals for criminal prosecution or to serve a sentence. However, this treaty also includes provisions designed to protect individuals from unfair treatment and ensure that extradition requests are justified and lawful.
Legal experts suggest that this case may set a precedent for how driving offenses are treated in the context of international law. It raises questions about the extent to which countries can pursue legal actions across borders for what might be considered less severe crimes compared to other offenses.
Impact on Individuals and Families
For the man in question, the extradition process could have significant personal and financial implications. He may face not only legal penalties in the UK but also the challenges of navigating a foreign legal system. For his family and loved ones, the situation is likely to be stressful and emotionally taxing, as they await the resolution of the case.
in summery
Isac Calderon, an American, is set to be extradited from the US to the UK after a Texas judge ruled against his petition to dismiss the extradition request. Calderon, 23, is accused of causing serious injury to a mental health nurse, Elizabeth Donowho, in a car crash last July. The incident, which occurred on the A4103 in Herefordshire, left Donowho unable to walk for six weeks.
Justice Peter Bray of the District Court in southern Texas determined that Calderon is eligible for extradition under the US-UK Extradition Treaty. The ruling mandates that Calderon be handed over to UK authorities to face trial. The UK police, who had previously identified Calderon as a flight risk, will now coordinate his transfer from Houston.
Calderon had initially been scheduled to appear in court in the UK on December 1 but left the country on November 25, 2023, before his court date. The US court found that Calderon’s departure constituted a flight risk and that there was sufficient probable cause to proceed with his extradition.
The exact timing of Calderon’s extradition is not yet clear, as both the UK Home Office and the US Justice Department have declined to comment on the specifics of the process.
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