British fugitive jailed in SA makes bail plea

British fugitive Callum Gower, who is facing extradition to the UK, has asked a Cape Town court to release him on bail of $10 500 while he waits for his extradition application to be finalised. The 27-year-old, who was arrested in Constantia in January, listed a number of reasons why the court should release him, including that he is ‘fully co-operating with Interpol’, a TimesLIVE report notes. Gower stated that while he does have previous convictions, these were from more than a decade ago. Gower is charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. The second set of offences dates back to 2016/17 for his alleged part in a conspiracy to supply class A and B controlled drugs, namely cocaine, MDMA (a stimulant and psychedelic) and cannabis. Gower said that there had been no direct evidence linking him to the illegal substances found, specifically on the cocaine which had been seized at one of the premises. Another affidavit by Darren Parton said ‘due to recent evidential material received by Sussex police, Gower is now being investigating for further serious offences linked to organised crime in the UK. ‘It is believed that Gower directed people in the UK from SA in the supply of controlled drugs.’ The state said in their heads of argument that Gower was a flight risk as there was a strong likelihood that he would flee the extradition proceedings. The state pointed out that should Gower be found guilty, he could be sentenced to 47 years' imprisonment. The case was postponed to 26 April.