Christopher Tappin denied bail in US on arms dealing claims

Source: The Guardian

A retired British businessman who was extradited to the US over allegations of arms dealing has been denied bail as he awaits trial, after he was deemed to be a flight risk.

Christopher Tappin, 65, from Orpington in Kent, must remain in custody following the ruling by Judge Robert Castaneda, who was told by US prosecutors at a federal court in El Paso, Texas, that he may be a "danger to the community" if released.

The judge agreed that measures could be imposed to ensure Tappin is monitored if released, but he said a discrepancy in Tappin's financial statement led to him being denied bail.

Elaine Tappin said it was an outrage that her husband has been refused bail, adding that he has spent 23 hours a day locked in his cell at the Otero County detention centre in New Mexico since his extradition.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2012/mar/06/christopher-tappin-denied-bail