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17/02/2010
No Black Hack For Jose
A Spanish man who is fighting extradition proceedings on allegations of glorifying terrorism has been refused a licence to work as a taxi driver in Northern Ireland.
Jose Ignacio de Juana Chaos, a Basque separatist convicted of 25 murders in Spain has lost his legal battle for a chance to drive a west Belfast hackney after a judge said there appeared to be a "blatant attempt to mislead" over his record in his cab application.
His lawyers told Belfast Magistrates Court he had left his violent past behind and wanted a fresh start and his barrister told the court Mr de Juana Chaos, 54, should be treated as an exception to the rule where ex-prisoners can only apply for taxi licences three years after completing their sentence.
"The offending behaviour purely related to the political theatre," he said. "The people subjected to the violence were members of the police force in Spain."
His lawyer said he has now removed himself from the political conflict and wants to drive specified routes for the West Belfast Taxi Association, where his wife works.
However, District Judge Ken Nixon said Mr de Juana Chaos' own legal representatives had accepted he faced "a potentially insurmountable hurdle".
Mr Nixon pointed out the applicant was only released from prison on 1 August, 2008 "in the context of very serious offences... no matter what the theatre may be".
See: ETA Member To Fight Extradition
(BMcC/GK)
Jose Ignacio de Juana Chaos, a Basque separatist convicted of 25 murders in Spain has lost his legal battle for a chance to drive a west Belfast hackney after a judge said there appeared to be a "blatant attempt to mislead" over his record in his cab application.
His lawyers told Belfast Magistrates Court he had left his violent past behind and wanted a fresh start and his barrister told the court Mr de Juana Chaos, 54, should be treated as an exception to the rule where ex-prisoners can only apply for taxi licences three years after completing their sentence.
"The offending behaviour purely related to the political theatre," he said. "The people subjected to the violence were members of the police force in Spain."
His lawyer said he has now removed himself from the political conflict and wants to drive specified routes for the West Belfast Taxi Association, where his wife works.
However, District Judge Ken Nixon said Mr de Juana Chaos' own legal representatives had accepted he faced "a potentially insurmountable hurdle".
Mr Nixon pointed out the applicant was only released from prison on 1 August, 2008 "in the context of very serious offences... no matter what the theatre may be".
See: ETA Member To Fight Extradition
(BMcC/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with some sunshine to end the day, then staying dry overnight with clear periods. It will be a milder night with light southeast winds. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
