FUGITIVE rape suspect Nicholas Rossi’s oxygen tank fell off on his way to court docket — and he appeared not to see.
In farcical scenes, the lifetime-preserving devices Rossi, 34, statements to count on just after practically dying from Covid came loose and rolled down the street.
2
The American — who takes advantage of 16 aliases and statements to be an English gent referred to as Arthur Knight — is fighting extradition from Scotland to the US in which he is desired on assert of rape and four other sexual intercourse assaults.
But he promises he is the victim of mistaken id and has even been accused of faking his possess demise to evade justice.
Rossi arrived at the High Courtroom in Edinburgh flanked by wife Miranda, 35, and dressed in a pin-striped match with darkish sunglasses and putting on an oxygen mask.
US authorities suspect he is also faking ailment in a bid to keep away from extradition.
When questioned why his mask wasn’t connected to the tank, Rossi — who built a V for victory gesture at photographers — explained: “I experimented with to get by without the need of it.”
An onlooker mentioned: “For another person who depends on an oxygen tank to breathe he didn’t skip a defeat when it arrived off.
“Some people today truly do count on oxygen masks to survive but observing him right now, it genuinely doesn’t appear like he’s one of them.”
Throughout the hearing Rossi verified to the court docket he experienced now appointed legal professionals to fight his scenario.
Most study in The Scottish Sunshine
His solicitor Becky Houston said: “I foresee that he will be fully equipped to co-function as we go ahead in this situation.”
Prosecutor Clare Kennedy said the Crown would direct evidence proving the man in the dock was Nicholas Rossi.
She extra: “The question of identity will be dealt with at the entire listening to.”
At the conclude of the hearing, the clerk of court continuously named the accused “Mr Rossi” when telling him the date for his following overall look.
But the convicted perv — who went on the operate in 2018 soon after DNA linked him to other attacks in the States — kept interrupting to declare: “I’m Arthur Knight.”
We advised how Rossi was desired by Interpol when he was arrested at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth College Medical center in December for the duration of a Covid fight.
Sheriff Norman McFadyen bailed him on the condition that police can visit his dwelling in Woodlands, Glasgow, at any time. The scenario resumes on Might 5.
We fork out for your tales and video clips! Do you have a tale or movie for The Scottish Sun? Electronic mail us at [email protected] or call 0141 420 5300
