US rape suspect Nicholas Rossi due to hear decision on extradition

The 35-year-old is fighting being moved to America over alleged offences including rape.

Nicholas Rossi case is expected to come to a conclusion on Wednesday (PA) (PA Wire)

A rape suspect fighting extradition to the US is expected to find out whether he will be sent to America.

Nicholas Rossi appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday morning by videolink from HMP Edinburgh, after claiming to be unwell.

He was bent over at the waist, dressed in a green jumper and did not show his face.

When asked if he is Rossi, he did not answer.

His lawyer Mungo Bovey KC attempted to delay proceedings and asked for Rossi to be excused.

Sheriff Norman McFadyen suggested Rossi attended court by videolink “voluntarily”, but in an angry outburst Rossi claimed he had been brought before the camera by “physical force” and he called the sheriff “a disgrace to justice”.

Rossi, 35, is wanted in the US in connection with alleged offences including rape and is contesting moves by authorities there to have him flown over to face legal proceedings.

He claims to be an Irish orphan called Arthur Knight, a victim of mistaken identity.

The hearing on Wednesday was postponed previously on medical grounds.

Rossi was arrested in the UK more than two years ago in connection with the alleged offences in the US.

He was being treated for Covid-19 at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow when he was detained in December 2021.