John Gilligan's son had plans to go to Spain before being arrested by gardaí

Gangster John Gilligan’s son Darren told an extradition hearing yesterday he had already bought tickets to fly back to Spain.

He appeared before the High Court yesterday following his arrest on foot of a European Arrest Warrant issued for him by Spanish authorities.

The court heard the 47-year-old’s surrender is sought in relation to an alleged offence of breaching Public Order and Safety.

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Following his arrest Gilligan appeared before Mr Justice Anthony Barr. Detective Garda Adrian Murray told the court he arrested and cautioned the suspect at an address in West Dublin hours earlier.

He said when he asked Gilligan if he knew what the allegations were about, he replied: “Yes. It came from being in the wrong place at the wrong time over nothing I done.”

The detective told counsel for the State Simon Matthews that gardai were opposed to bail. Gilligan, accompanied in court by relatives, was represented by Mark Lynam.

Darren Gilligan, son of John Gilligan, pictured arriving at the Four Courts in 2016 (Collins Courts)

He told the court that prior to his arrest his client had purchased tickets to fly to Spain where he is due to appear before a court on another matter.

Counsel said his client is willing to consent to his surrender to the Spanish authorities but cannot do so until the European Arrest Warrant has been provided to the Irish authorities.

Mr Lynam said Gilligan was not seeking to be granted bail at this point.

His client also intends to apply to have his legal fees covered under the State’s Custody Issue Scheme.

Judge Barr remanded Gilligan in custody to return before the court later this month.

John and Darren Gilligan pictured arriving at the Four Courts for judgement in a Supreme Court action in 2017 (Collins Courts)

He was detained on foot of an SIS (Schengen Information System) Alert – an information exchange system used in Europe.

It was issued by Spain and informed gardai that a European Arrest Warrant seeking his surrender was active.

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