A BUSINESSMAN wanted by the US government on suspicion of smuggling weapons begged a judge ‘don’t tear me away from my family’ during his extradition hearing.
Arms dealer Guy Savage, from Pinner, must wait another month to hear his fate after judgment was reserved in the father of two’s latest court appearance on Monday.
The ex-boss of Northolt weapons manufacturer Sabre Defence Industries has been battling extradition since his arrest in a police raid on his home in Daymer Gardens in February.
Savage, 42, is accused of breaching licence restrictions on the export of weapons, including M16 assault rifles.
He told Westminster Magistrates’ Court: “I am a human being and do not deserve to be torn away from my family and sent to some federal penitentiary for the rest of my life. The court should show the same dignity for my life as you hold your own.”
Savage told the court two things had stopped him committing suicide after his arrest – leaving his two daughters fatherless and his father’s birthday.
During the hearing, Savage clashed with District Judge Evans, who will give his verdict on November 30. The case could later move to the High Court.
Savage opposed his extradition on multiple grounds, including medical, lawfulness and the Human Rights Act.
“The United States has failed to show there is a case,” he said. “I have been denied every opportunity for fairness. I have not been asked a single question about the indictment, except after I had been shot at, beaten up, had the stuffing knocked out of me and asked if I consented to these proceedings. My answer was ‘no’.”
Savage, who calls himself the Lord of War, was forced to represent himself in the extradition proceedings after two bids for legal aid were rejected. His former company ceased operation last December, after investigations of impropriety began.
Complaining about the costs of his defence case, Savage told the judge: “I am not a lawyer. This is a vindictive prosecution on behalf of the US authorities.”
Responding to a postponement request based on medical grounds, US state lawyer Peter Caldwell told the court: “The view of that report is that its conclusion is not one the government readily accepts.”
