Surrey Police have come under scrutiny after it was revealed they spent nearly £16,000 on a private jet to extradite a TikTok influencer from Spain. The force has defended the decision, but a magistrate has ruled the expense was disproportionate.
The High-Cost Extradition
Harrison Sullivan, known online as HSTikkyTokky, was finally brought back to the UK last summer. This followed a lengthy 12-month period during which he successfully avoided police custody. The original incident that sparked the manhunt was a dangerous driving offence in March 2024.
To secure his return, Surrey Police authorised a chartered flight from Malaga Airport. The total cost of this operation came to £15,990. The force stated the decision was based on a risk assessment from the National Crime Agency’s National Extradition Unit, calling it the "only viable option" and necessary for public safety on the roads.
Judicial Criticism and Financial Penalty
However, this justification did not convince the presiding judge at Staines Magistrates’ Court. When the prosecution applied to reclaim the full extradition expenses from Sullivan, the judge refused. The ruling stated that the use of a private jet was "not necessary or proportionate".
As a result, the court significantly reduced the amount Sullivan was ordered to pay back. He must pay £8,050.27 to Surrey Police and a further £9,270 to the Crown Prosecution Service. Crucially, the judge deducted £10,000 from the police's claim, directly relating to the disputed cost of the chartered flight.
Questions Over Police Spending
This case raises significant questions about the use of public funds for police operations. While Surrey Police maintained the extradition was imperative, the court's ruling highlights a clear disagreement on what constitutes reasonable expenditure.
The substantial deduction from the cost order serves as a public rebuke and places the £16,000 private jet expense firmly under the spotlight. It underscores the tension between operational decisions made by police forces and the judicial oversight of how taxpayer money is used in the pursuit of justice.
