A Belfast man is set to appear in court for an extradition hearing on Thursday in Portugal. Jonny Smyth, aged twenty-six, was apprehended by police in Braga after being tracked down thanks to information provided by John George’s father, Billy George, who had travelled to Portugal to assist with the search.

Smyth is wanted for questioning by Spanish authorities in connection with the murder of John George, a thirty-seven-year-old father of two from west Belfast. John was reported missing in December while on holiday in Alicante, Spain, and his body was discovered in a remote lemon grove three weeks later, having suffered fatal injuries.

Following the recovery of John George’s body, a murder investigation was launched by Spanish police. They circulated international arrest warrants for Jonny Smyth, who reportedly fled Spain after John’s disappearance. Additionally, a thirty-two-year-old man from the Czech Republic was arrested in connection with the case but has since been released on bail.

The family of John George has endured considerable distress throughout this ordeal, with Darren George describing it as a “living nightmare”. A funeral for John was held in west Belfast last month, as his family continues to seek justice for his untimely death.