'Arms to Iran' grandfather to be extradited

A grandfather from Kent who is accused of selling parts for Iranian missiles will be extradited to the US within 10 days, his lawyer said yesterday.

Christopher Tappin, 64, a retired businessman, failed in his latest attempt to block the move when the European Court of Human Rights refused to halt his transfer pending a further hearing of his case in Europe.

American authorities want him to stand trial over claims he was involved in a conspiracy to export the parts with another UK citizen, Robert Gibson, and an American, Robert Caldwell. After he was arrested by US authorities, Mr Gibson agreed, without Mr Tappin knowing, to co-operate with an investigation. Mr Tappin, who had a 40-year career in the export business, says he is the victim of entrapment.

David Cameron faces calls to address the US-UK extradition treaty at a meeting with Barack Obama next month. Mr Tappin's lawyer, Karen Todner, said: "We truly hope that the UK Government will see this case as an example of the gross injustice to British citizens by the UK/USA extradition treaty."