An alleged FBI fugitive charged with raping and faking his own death has told a court there is “mass hysteria” surrounding his case.
US prosecutors want Scottish courts to extradite the man they believe is Nicholas Rossi, who is wanted for the alleged rape of a 21-year-old woman in Utah, as well as assaults in more states.
He is also said to have faked his own death in 2020 and fled to Glasgow to escape charges including fraud and sexual battery.
During his extradition proceedings to the Edinburgh Sheriff Court, the man appeared today in red pajamas and a velvet robe, making a peace sign for photographers.
His wife, Miranda Knight, was also seen when she arrived at court.
When asked by a reporter if “the game was over,” the defendant bizarrely quoted Sherlock Holmes, saying, “The game has just begun. The game is underway.’
He insists his name is Arthur Knight and that he is the victim of a mistaken identity, even though US police say his fingerprints are Rossi’s.
Last week, he was also charged with threatening two hospital drugs at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow.
Addressing the court today, he attempted to file his own motion in court in an effort to limit press coverage, claiming his case had “turned into a media frenzy.”
He said the media had disrespected the court by “constantly referring to me as Nicholas Rossi.”
“I would like to say that it is incredibly important that this case is brought to trial so that the public humiliation I have experienced is not taken into account,” he told the court.
But Sheriff Alistair Noble said he had “heard nothing to warrant an order.”
The sheriff said the case would be judged by a judge rather than a jury, so there was no risk of compromising the case.
The man who would be Rossi was arrested in Glasgow earlier this year after being hospitalized with Covid.
Last month, the court was told he was using “all possible means” to delay the extradition procedure.
The hearing has been postponed to Thursday.
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