Extradition proceedings against a 36-year-old Stevenage man arrested on suspicion of murdering his step-sister in Holland have been successful.

Andy Van Den Hurk of Hepworth Court, Chells Way, was arrested at Stevenage Police Station on March 8 on suspicion of murdering 15-year-old Nicole Van Den Hurk, on October 6, 1995, after he handed himself in to officers.

An extradition request by Dutch Police was granted at Westminster Magistrates Court this afternoon (Friday). Van Den Hurk opposed the request, but gave no reasonable grounds for refusal.

The case had earlier been postponed to mid-April to allow time for an assessment of the defendant’s psychological state. But in a dramatic turn of events, the files were ordered to be returned to the court where the verdict was delivered.

Van Den Hurk can appeal the decision within seven days.