Sep 04 – Fugitive Wanted For Attempted Murder To Be Extradited
A British man wanted on suspicion of attempted murder in London will be extradited and sent back to the United Kingdom after appearing at the Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Robert Mortby, 28, was on the run and living in Mijas in the Costa Del Sol until he handed himself into New Mole House Police Station on Tuesday.
Mortby was wanted by the Metropolitan Police Service on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was attacked at the Rose & Crown pub in the Elephant and Castle area in London in July 2012.
He faced further charges including one count of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger a life, one count of possession of a prohibited weapon and one count of possession of a firearm without a licence.
Arrangements are being made to send Mortby back to the UK, and he is expected to be flown out within the next 10 days. Robert Fischel QC appeared on behalf of the Crown.
Mortby was a target in Operation Captura, a joint campaign between the National Crime Agency and Crimestoppers, to apprehend on-the-run British fugitives in Spain.
Dave Allen from the National Crime Agency said: “Following increased interest in the Operation Captura fugitives campaign of late, Mortby realised his time was up and the best option was to hand himself in.
“The last five weeks have seen three of our most wanted fugitives arrested. I have no doubt that these successes will highlight to the remaining 15 individuals that we will not stop until they are all brought to justice.”
Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers said: “This is the third Operation Captura arrest this summer and highlights the pressure wanted fugitives are under because of the collaborative work that goes into the campaign.
“Working with the National Crime Agency, the Spanish Police and the public, I am confident that we will bring even more wanted individuals to justice, sooner, rather than later.”
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