Dates have officially been set in Scotland for the extradition hearings for three men accused of killing a prominent Owen Sound business owner.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has confirmed to CKNX News Today that Robert Evans, 24, Robert Busby Evans, 47, and Barry Evans, 54, will next appear in court for a preliminary hearing on April 3, while the full extradition hearing has been set for May 29. Both hearings will be held at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in Scotland.
Robert Evans is accused of manslaughter, while Robert Busby Evans and Barry Evans are each charged with accessory after the fact to commit an indictable offence following the killing of Sharifur Rahman, owner of The Curry House, in Owen Sound on August 24, 2023.
On that day, three men allegedly refused to pay their bill, which resulted in an argument and confrontation that turned violent. Rahman suffered serious injuries as a result, later dying in hospital a week later in London, Ontario.
Rahman was a well-liked and well-respected member of the Owen Sound community, who frequently donated time and money to local causes, including as a member of the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce board.
A year-long investigation took place, with local police working with provincial and international agencies to track down the three men who are alleged to have been responsible.
The three accused, who are all residents of the United Kingdom, fled Canada soon after the incident took place. The investigation ultimately led to them being charged by Canadian authorities in December of 2024. The accused were located in Scotland in Dalkeith and Edinburgh, respectively.
Now, the Scottish court system will proceed with the extradition process, which is done under the UK Extradition Act 2003 and the post-Brexit UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Canada must have any extradition requests certified by the UK Home Office, as Canada is classed as a "Category 2" territory under the act.
Should the court in Scotland approve the extradition request, the three accused could very well be sent back to Canada to stand trial and answer to their respective charges.