UK drug-conspiracy accused denied bail
A British man wanted in the UK on multi-million euro drug conspiracy charges has been refused bail in the High Court.
Philip Baron was arrested at his home last month for the purposes of extradition. His home was once valued at €1.5m and is located beside the K Club on New Road, Straffan, Co Kildare.
Gardaí objected to bail for the 55-year-old on the grounds that he is a flight risk.
The court heard that Mr Baron had lived in Ireland since the 1990s and appeared to be affluent, but had never had any interaction with Revenue or social services, a situation described as "remarkable" by judge John Edwards.
There was also evidence that the father of three previously travelled to Costa Rica with a co-accused who had used false papers.
It was argued that Mr Baron may himself have access to bogus travel documents.
Seven others have been convicted of involvement with the multi-million cocaine and cannabis conspiracy, including Philip Baron's daughter Rachel, who pleaded guilty to money-laundering.
The judge has refused bail, finding the risk of flight to be unacceptable.
