Three individuals accused in the murder of a well-liked restaurateur in Owen Sound, Ontario, have consented to being extradited from Scotland to face trial in Canada. Robert Evans, aged 25, is charged with manslaughter, while his father, Robert Busby Evans, aged 47, and uncle Barry Evans, aged 54, are facing charges as accessories after the fact.
The extradition process is expected to proceed swiftly, according to Robert Currie, a transnational criminal law professor at Dalhousie University. The agreement between Canada and the UK on the terms of surrender will determine the timeline for their transfer, with the process likely to be shorter due to the lack of contestation.
The trio appeared in Edinburgh Sheriff Court and confirmed their willingness to return to Canada for trial. Despite initial indications that they might resist extradition citing poor jail conditions in Ontario, they agreed to the transfer. The incident leading to the restaurateur’s death occurred outside the Owen Sound restaurant following a confrontation with customers who were attempting to leave without paying.
The men acknowledged the irreversibility of their consent and will remain in Scottish custody until their transfer to Canada. Canadian authorities have assured that time spent in Scottish custody awaiting extradition will be considered in their sentencing, though actual reduction will be up to the judge’s discretion.
Each of the accused, including Busby Evans, Robert Evans, and Barry Evans, individually consented to extradition in court. Their appearance and agreement to extradition were solemn affairs, with little commentary from their family members. The extradition process between Canada and the UK is a routine legal operation, and it is not uncommon for individuals to opt for extradition rather than contesting it.
Upon their return to Canada, the men will be treated like any other criminal defendants awaiting trial. They will have access to assistance from their respective government representatives. The decision of the three men to consent to extradition remains unclear, as does the status of the requested report on Ontario jail conditions.
The investigation into the accused individuals revealed their identities through social media profiles. Robert Evans Jr. allegedly delivered the fatal punch, while Barry Evans and Robert Evans Sr. were implicated in aiding him after the incident. The family traveled to Canada under false identities and engaged in a paving business during the summer.
The extradition date has not been set by the court yet.