Jailed Polish thief facing extradition

AN inmate at Edinburgh's Saughton Prison is set to be extradited to Poland to complete a jail term for stealing cars after losing a legal bid to block the move.

Dariusz Machon was the subject of a European arrest warrant issued more than two years ago seeking his extradition after he was convicted of stealing Mercedes cars in his homeland.

The 44-year-old tried to challenge the move on the grounds that Polish prisons suffered from chronic overcrowding and poor conditions.

Machon presented the court with letters written by friends serving prison terms in Polish jails which detailed problems such as rat and insect infestations, and dirty cells.

But following a recent hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, it was decided that Machon's extradition would not violate his human rights.

The court heard Machon had served two years and eight months in prison for stealing the cars in December 1994, but fled after being released on bail pending an appeal.

Machon is now set to be returned to Poland to complete the remaining 15 months of his sentence.