Double killer could be deported to Scotland from US

A convicted double killer could be deported from the US back to Scotland after serving a 25-year prison sentence.

Phillip Harkins was convicted of the murder of an American citizen during a drug deal in 1999 and is currently detained at the Baker County Detention Centre in Macclenny, Florida.

The 46-year-old, who had been released on bail, fled to Scotland but was jailed in 2003 for causing the death of a woman by dangerous driving in Inverclyde.

The Scot, originally from Greenock, was ordered to be removed by an immigration judge in August 2002.

ICE arrested and plans to remove Phillip Harkins, a convicted murderer and criminal illegal alien from Scotland ICE

In what was described as one of Britain’s longest-running extradition cases, he was extradited to the US and convicted of murder and first-degree armed robbery in May 2018.

Harkins denied any involvement and has contested his extradition since it was requested by US authorities in March 2003.

He lost his battle after a European Court of Human Rights ruling in 2017.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said on August 27 it had arrested Harkins and plans to remove him from the country.

Phillip Harkins was convicted of possession of a weapon and carrying a concealed firearm on January 13, 1997, by the Duval County Court Duval County Jail

It comes following his release from the Florida Department of Corrections on August 18.

An ICE statement read: “Harkins has a lengthy criminal history.

“On June 13, 1996, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrested him for possession of a weapon and carrying a concealed firearm.

“He was convicted of these offences on January 13, 1997, by the Duval County Court.

“On February 4, 2000, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrested Harkins for homicide. After posting bond, he fled to Scotland to evade the pending charges in Duval County, Florida.

“Following a prolonged extradition legal battle in Scotland, Harkins was extradited to the US and convicted of murder and first-degree armed robbery on May 17, 2018.

“He was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with credit for 5,631 days served in the United Kingdom for other crimes.”

ICE ERO Miami Field Office director Garrett Ripa said: “ICE will not allow criminal illegal aliens to evade justice or remain in the US unlawfully.

“This arrest underscores our unwavering commitment to enforcing immigration laws and removing dangerous individuals who threaten the safety and security of our communities.

“Illegal aliens who violate our laws and harm American citizens will face the full force of law for their crimes and then will be removed from the US.”