An Irishman is contesting an extradition order by the US authorities within the southern district of California.

Joseph Anthony O’Connor, 58, is accused of discharging contaminates in San Diego Bay between January and April 2006. An indictment by the Grand Jury and a warrant of arrest by the US Department of Justice were issued against him in August 2007.

O’Connor’s lawyer Joe Giglio told the court that Mr O’Connor lived in Malta and had a tug boat business employing 30 people.

Elaine Rizzo, from the Attorney General’s office, asked the court to deny bail because of the nature of the charges and because he faced 33 years in prison if found guilty. She said he already absconded from the US and did not have a family here.

But Dr Giglio said Mr O’Connor left the US through the normal channels.