NatWest Three on their extradition journey

Last updated at 13:58 13 July 2006


The three former NatWest bankers accused of a £11 million fraud are on their extradition flight to the United States.

David Bermingham, Gary Mulgrew and Giles Darby - the so-called NatWest Three - arrived separately at Croydon police station, south London, at around 6am en-route to Gatwick Airport. They are now on a Continental Airlines flight to Texas.

Amid chaotic scenes outside the station before their journey to Gatwick, the men declared: "We've been screwed over."

David Bermingham spoke for all three in an embittered last speech on the steps of the police station, saying: "It is a very sad day for British people. We have been let down by our Government and it is time to get them out. This is a tragic day for us and our families. It has been very hard for us."

Holding his wife Emma's hand as he spoke, he said: "We got screwed over but there is a real tragedy here today."

Referring to Neil Coulbeck, a key witness in the case who was found dead in parkland in east London on Tuesday, he said: "We got screwed but there is a real tragedy. A man died yesterday. We will be coming home one day but he has gone forever."

More here...

  • Special report: Why can't we extradite suspects from the U.S.?
  • Edward Heathcoat Amory: Why I have no sympathy for these three sharks
  • Extradition row: Commons blast for 'poodle' Blair
  • The NatWest 3: the toothless watchdog
  • The silence of the bank
  • The men are due to attend a hearing in America tomorrow, when they hope to be granted bail.

    Mr Bermingham added: "We have had more messages of support than you can shake a stick at. We have had messages from people we have never met.

    He added: "We are hopeful we will get bail but you never know."

    Detectives are studying a suicide note left by Mr Coulbeck, whose body was found in woodland near his £750,000 home in an affluent London suburb.

    The 53 year old had given a statement in the case of three British bankers due to be controversially extradited to the United States today to stand trial over an alleged £11 million fraud.

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