Station knifeman faces cocaine plot extradition

Ronald Whelan is set to be extradited to France

A man convicted of wounding a fellow railway passenger faces extradition to France over an alleged 100kg (220 lbs) Colombian cocaine plot.

Muhammed Uddin suffered a cut hand when he tried to grab a pocket knife brandished by Ronald Whelan at Blundellsands and Crosby Station on 2 August.

The men's argument started on a Merseyrail train before continuing at the station. Whelan, 57, then lunged towards Mr Uddin's stomach with a knife.

Liverpool Crown Court also heard Whelan's subsequent arrest had brought him to the attention of the National Crime Agency, which realised he was wanted in France.

'Distressed'

Whelan, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and possession of a bladed article.

He was given a 15-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Philip Clemo, prosecuting, said a young woman had barricaded herself and her two children into a waiting room at the station during the altercation.

"The incident took place in the shadow of the recent Southport killings and she was distressed," he added.

Mr Clemo said the woman ran to help Mr Uddin after Whelan had walked away in "rather a casual manner".

Whelan was arrested five days later on his way into a gym.

When interviewed by police, he admitted his involvement.

'Wanted'

The judge, Recorder Ben Douglas-Jones, said Whelan had been out of trouble for 41 years and it was "sad to see him back before the court".

Louise Santamera said her client accepted he had "wholly misjudged the situation" and added it was the "worst mistake he's made".

Whelan was ordered to carry out 150 hours' unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation activity days with the Probation Service.

Mr Clemo said Whelan was "a wanted man in France in relation to the importation of over 100 kilos of high purity cocaine from Colombia".

Ms Santamera told the court: "As far as the Interpol warrant is concerned he is unable to assist the court as he doesn’t know anything about it."

Whelan is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court for an extradition hearing.

Additional reporting by Lynda Roughley.