Spain extradition order for man accused of girlfriend's murder

A judge today ordered the extradition of a British man wanted in Spain over the murder of his girlfriend.

Christopher Chittock, 36, of Ipswich, was detained on a European arrest warrant last month on suspicion of murdering Sarah Shields.

The 23-year-old was found in the sea off Gran Canaria on July 7.

British and Spanish police launched an inquiry in July when Miss Shields was reported missing after failing to return from the holiday to her home in Ipswich.

A spokeswoman for City of Westminster Magistrates' Court said Deputy Chief Magistrate Daphne Wickham ordered the extradition.

Chittock now has seven days to appeal against the ruling.

He was due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on September 17 charged with perverting the course of justice following Miss Shields's death.

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said the charge has now been discontinued to allow the extradition for murder to go ahead.