A Louth man wan who has been linked to a Real IRA plot to buy weapons and explosives has won a High Court challenge against his extradition to Lithuania. Brendan McGuigan of New Houses, Knocknagoran, Omeath in Co. Louth was wanted on terrorism and firearms charges.

Mr. Justice John Edwards has refused to surrender the 33-year-old to the Baltic state over concerns about prison conditions there.

He said there was also a question of whether Mr. McGuigan would get a fair trial in Lithuania. It is an issue he will raise if the State decides to challenge the ruling today.

Earlier this year a Belfast court refused to extradite Liam Campbell - a man held liable for the Omagh bombing to Lithuania on similar grounds.

His extradition was sought by the Lithuanian authorities who allege that he and others went to Lithuania in August 2007 and attempted to buy firearms, ammunition and explosive devices.