17/08/2007

US Extradition Hearing On Irishwoman's Death

A hearing will take place later today in the US to determine whether former minister, the Reverend George Exoo, will be extradited to Ireland.

Mr Exoo has been accused of assisting in the suicide of Rosemary Toole-Gilhooley in Dublin in 2002.

Gardaí have been seeking to have Mr Exoo of Beckley, West Virginia, brought to Ireland to stand trial, since then.

Rosemary Toole-Gilhooley died in a rented apartment in Donnybrook after taking an overdose, in January 2002.

At the time of her death, Gardaí determined that Mr Exoo of Beckley, West Virginia and his companion Thomas McGurrin had been present with her when she died.

Gardaí investigations also discovered that Ms Toole-Gilhooley had been in contact with Mr Exoo preceding her death and that she had paid him for flights and accommodation to Dublin.

Mr Exoo admits that he was present at the death of Ms Toole-Gilhooley but maintains he was present only to counsel her while she committed suicide.

Under a 1993 law it is a crime to assist a suicide in Ireland.

If Mr Exoo is extradited, he could face an Irish trial.

Today a US district court Judge will hear arguments on behalf of Ireland and Mr Exoo to determine whether he should face extradition to Ireland.

(LC/SP)

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