UK couple lose US extradition fight

A British couple have lost their High Court fight against extradition to the US over an alleged work expenses fraud.

Paul and Sandra Dunham launched their action after the US Department of Justice sought their extradition over what the couple claim is an "employment-related dispute".

Mr Dunham, 58, who was chief executive and president of Pace, a US company manufacturing soldering irons for the electronics industry, was indicted on 13 counts of fraud and money laundering by a grand jury in Greenbelt, Maryland, in December 2011, while his 57-year-old wife is accused of aiding and abetting him.

The couple, from Northampton, "vehemently reject" allegations relating to expenses claims while working in the US.

Their counsel Ben Watson had asked Lord Justice Beatson and Mr Justice Simon to allow their claim under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, which relates to private and family life.

He said the couple's lives had been "shattered" and that extradition would be disproportionate in the circumstances.

The Dunhams were not in court in London to hear the judges dismiss their case.