Could Mafia boss walk free from court?

The 64-year-old was arrested by British police at his home in Uxbridge under a European arrest warrant, and Italy’s senior politicians called him an “important mobster” on hearing of the arrest.

But Domenico Rancadore may walk free from court on Friday after his lawyers pointed out “significant deficiencies” in his arrest warrant.

The father of two had been living in the UK as a house husband under the alias Marc Skinner since 1993 while his wife, Anne, ran a travel agency to support the family.

He was said to be “one of the best neighbours you could ever have” by one woman living in his modest, suburban street.

I know him very well and he’s one of the best neighbours you could ever have. Joan Hills, neighbour

But the former teacher is facing a seven-year term in an Italian jail for being part of a criminal organisation between 1987 and 1995. He was “a man of honour” in Mafia group Cosa Nostra, controlling Trabia, near Palermo in Sicily, Westminster magistrates’ court heard on Thursday.

He is due to appear at the same court on Friday afternoon, where District Judge Quentin Purdy will decide whether he can be allowed bail.

The same judge said on Thursday: “The warrant may be such it has to be discharged. There are concerns about the validity of the warrant that has come before the court.”

Mr Rancadore tried to flee through the back door of his home in Manor Waye when police arrived on Wednesday, but came face to face with a waiting detective constable.

‘Blameless life’ in Britain

He initially gave police his false name – Skinner is his wife’s maiden name – but eventually came clean.

Defending, Euan Macmillan said he has lived “a blameless life” in Britain.

“He has been in this country since 1993, so 20 years. He came here as a free man on his own Italian passport with his family,” he said.

“He has lived a quiet life and his family have grown up here. He was as surprised as one would be, understandably, when the police arrived at his property.”

Joan Hills, 76, said she knew Mr Rancadore as Marc Skinner and that his family had lived on her street for several years. “I know him very well and he’s one of the best neighbours you could ever have,” she said. “They have been here for years. I’ve seen the children grow up with my children.”

His semi-detached home has a CCTV camera overlooking the courtyard at the front, which is surrounded by tall hedges.