An alleged fugitive accused of faking his own death to avoid US rape charges has failed to appear at his extradition hearing in Edinburgh for the second consecutive time, citing a 'sudden and unexplained deterioration' in his medical condition.
US prosecutors identify the man as Nicholas Rossi, who is wanted for allegedly raping a 21-year-old woman in Utah in 2008 and attacking women in Rhode Island, Ohio, and Massachusetts. However, the 34-year-old claims he is Arthur Knight, a victim of mistaken identity who has never been to America.
Rossi was due at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday but was admitted to hospital the previous day. Crown agent Paul Harvey told the court that police were informed an X-ray showed slight deterioration and that he had a fever. Harvey noted this was the second hearing in a row disrupted by such a deterioration, adding: 'There is an emerging picture of someone seeking by every means possible to delay these proceedings.'
Rossi was apprehended in Glasgow earlier this year after being hospitalised with Covid-19. At his last court appearance in May, he attended in a wheelchair and wearing a breathing mask connected to an oxygen tank. He has reportedly dispensed with the services of three legal representatives.
Sheriff Thomas Welsh ordered Rossi to lodge a full medical report by June 27, ahead of a full extradition hearing scheduled for July. The Crown argues that the question of identity can be determined swiftly, but Rossi has not responded to invitations to review evidence.
