Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 4997Murder · Co. Dublin

Derek Wade granted leave to challenge Portuguese warrant affecting open prison transfer

Convicted double-murderer Derek Wade has been granted leave by the High Court to pursue a judicial review against the Minister for Justice, arguing that an outstanding European Arrest Warrant from Portugal is prejudicing his ability to progress to an open prison and affecting his parole prospects.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court2 Dec
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • weaponWade stabbed Zhi Song to death with a chef's carving knife after breaking into his house in June 2005. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeA European Arrest Warrant issued by Portuguese authorities in August 2022 sought Wade's surrender to serve a sentence of two years and four months for thefts. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtA convicted murderer has been permitted to pursue a High Court challenge against the Minister for Justice. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtWade was convicted of the Portuguese thefts in his absence in 2009. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMs Justice Mary Rose Gearty granted leave for the judicial review and adjourned the case to February. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceWade is serving a life sentence after a jury found him guilty in 2007 of murdering Zhi Song. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherWade has also served a seven-year sentence for killing William Cahill in 1997. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherIn January 2024 Wade asked to serve the Portuguese sentence in Ireland, and the Minister for Justice has made no decision on the request. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherWade's next parole hearing is in December 2026. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 2 Dec2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Murderer takes legal challenge over claims of prejudice against his efforts to get into an open prison

    High Court granted leave for a judicial review over the Minister's failure to decide on Wade's request to transfer a Portuguese sentence; the case was adjourned to February.

    convicted, Derek Wade, 45, male, named, irish (judged from name)Derek Wade