Surrey Police have publicly defended their controversial decision to charter a private jet at a cost of nearly £16,000 to extradite a TikTok influencer from Spain, insisting it was the "only viable option" to ensure his return to face justice.
The High-Cost Flight and Judicial Rejection
The force confirmed it spent £15,990 on the chartered flight last summer to repatriate Harrison Sullivan, the 24-year-old fitness influencer known as HSTikkyTokky. Sullivan was detained in Spain in August 2025 after evading police for almost a year following a car crash in Virginia Water, Surrey, in March 2024.
However, at a hearing at Staines Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 15 January 2026, District Judge Julie Cooper ruled the use of a private jet was "not necessary or proportionate". She rejected a prosecution application for £18,049.47 to cover the flight and other extradition costs.
Police Justification and Courtroom Skepticism
In a statement, Surrey Police said the choice was based on a risk assessment by the National Crime Agency’s National Extradition Unit, which escorted Sullivan from Malaga Airport. They argued all other options were not viable to "mitigate the perceived risks," though the details of this assessment were not disclosed in court.
Judge Cooper was unconvinced, stating: "In my view, it is not just or reasonable for him to pay for a chartered flight when I have been given no satisfactory explanation for why that should be." The force countered that Sullivan's extradition was "imperative for the safety of Surrey’s roads," citing his alleged dangerous driving at 70mph in a 40mph zone and subsequent evasion of police.
Prosecutor Kane Alexander suggested there were concerns Sullivan could be recognised by the public on a commercial flight. Judge Cooper responded with scepticism, noting Sullivan often travels by plane and suggesting a first-class seat could have mitigated any issues.
Sentencing, Costs, and Future Documentary Appearance
Sullivan had already pleaded guilty and, in November 2025, was handed a one-year suspended sentence for dangerous driving and driving without insurance. He was also disqualified from driving for two years, given an electronic tag for three months, and ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation.
The total costs for Surrey Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to bring Sullivan back totalled £28,350.27. Judge Cooper reduced this to £17,320.27, ordering Sullivan to pay £8,050.27 to the police and £9,270 to the CPS. She specifically deducted £10,000 from the police costs due to the unjustified private jet expense.
Defence solicitor Shalin Sood argued Sullivan was "surprised by the private jet" and had been compliant in custody. She also questioned the extensive investigation, telling the court, "It’s not rocket science trying to locate where Mr Sullivan is – he livestreams everyday." Regarding Sullivan's ability to pay, estimated at £2,000 weekly but inconsistent income, Judge Cooper pointed to his properties in the United Arab Emirates and gave him six months to pay.
Separately, it is reported the fitness influencer is set to feature in a forthcoming Louis Theroux documentary for Netflix exploring online misogyny's impact on young boys, having previously made provocative statements online.
