Nicholas Rossi: Alleged US fugitive faces further rape allegation

A man who denies being US fugitive Nicholas Rossi is facing further allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Authorities in Utah are seeking the extradition of the 35-year-old man, who was arrested in a Scottish hospital last year.

They allege he is Mr Rossi, who has been accused of raping a 21-year-old woman in the US state.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that two more extradition requests have now been submitted.

Advocate depute Paul Harvey told the court that one relates to an allegation of rape in Salt Lake City and another to an allegation of sexual assault elsewhere in Utah.

He said the allegations had been made by women who had now come forward as a result of the extradition process.

Mr Harvey added: “On Friday October 28 the US Embassy in London issued a diplomatic notice for supplementary extradition requests, requesting the extradition of the person.

“This morning Scottish ministers certified the extradition requests and copies of both extradition requests and the Scottish ministers’ certification were served on the requested person by a police constable at the court this morning.”

The man insists his name is Arthur Knight and that he is from Ireland, and claims to have been the victim of mistaken identity.

But the court has previously heard that his fingerprints and “distinctive” tattoos matched those of Mr Rossi.

Sheriff Norman McFadyen adjourned the case until later on Wednesday to give the man the opportunity to discuss the matter with his lawyer, Mungo Bovey KC.