Belfast firm KRW LAW is representing Liam Mackin, who denies all allegations related to an incident in November 2023 where six properties in Flagler Beach, Florida were “defaced with anti-Jewish graffiti”.

Solicitor Kevin Winters said: “I want to preface what I say here by firstly condemning the type of racist hate comments daubed on these properties. It’s unacceptable and ought to be rightfully denounced especially given the current world-wide political climate we live in.

“That said, we make it very clear that our client will contest this application.”

Mr Winters said his client’s right to a fair trial had been prejudiced by comments made by the chief of Flagler Beach Police Department.

The police chief was quoted in the local press calling Mr Mackin a “criminal” and saying: “There are many beautiful shades of green in Ireland and if he has the courage to return, I’d love for him to see the Flagler County Inmate Facility.”

Mr Winters said: “The police chief ought to reflect on his choice of words when reacting to the news that Mr Mackin had left America on a pre-arranged flight booking. Such inflammatory language doesn’t do the Americans’ case any good at all.

“It has caused serious reputational damage to our client, who presents as an elderly, disabled family man. Not only that, but the officer has completely prejudiced our client’s right to a fair hearing.

“With those ill-tempered remarks, the police officer has ridden roughshod over the enshrined legal principle that an accused person is innocent until proven guilty.

“He not only has him convicted in the eyes of the public, but he also has him sentenced and locked up in the county’s ‘Green Roof Inn’ penitentiary.

“To my mind, the Interpol red alert notice issued for his arrest was over the top and unnecessary.

“It will therefore come as little surprise that we together with instructed counsel Mr Sean Devine BL will mount an immediate challenge to [the proposed extradition].”