Laura Stephenson

Extradition

Laura has substantial experience in extradition law. She represents requested persons at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and the High Court. She has defended in a wide range of cases, including those involving prison conditions, the right to a family and private life, passage of time and proportionality.

Laura prosecutes at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and is a member of the CPS specialist Extradition Panel at Grade 2.

Examples of recent cases include:

BT v Hungarian Judicial Authority [2018] EWHC 718 (Admin)

Laura successfully appealed against the extradition of a mother accused of grievous bodily harm. She argued that extradition would cause unacceptable infringements on the Article 8 rights of the appellant and her children. The High Court found that the District Judge had erred in making findings at odds with the evidence in the case, and that compelling and exceptionally serious features meant the lower court should have refused to order extradition due to the appellant’s mental condition and the risk of harm to her children.

Polish Judicial Authority v Sobolewski [2019] EWHC 2840 (Admin)

Represented a Polish national whose extradition was ordered in relation to convictions for drug offences. On appeal before the High Court, new evidence was admitted about health of his wife, which required a reassessment of the proportionality of extradition under Article 8. The extradition order was quashed and immediate discharge from prison was ordered.

Polish Judicial Authority v W

Represented a Polish national sought for international supply of drugs offences. Laura argued that it would be disproportionate for the person to be extradited under Article 8 ECHR, primarily because of the likely effect of extradition on his son’s well being and education. The warrant was discharged in the magistrates’ court.