A RETIRED businessman has failed in his attempt to stop his extradition to the United States, where he faces charges of conspiring to sell parts for Iranian missiles.

Christopher Tappin, of Farnborough Park, Orpington, denies unlawfully attempting to export batteries for Hawk air defence missiles and says he was the victim of entrapment in an FBI "sting".

The 64-year-old's lawyers had applied to take his case to the Supreme Court, but this was today rejected by High Court judges.

Mr Tappin, the president of the all-Kent Golf Club Union, could face 35 years in prison if convicted.