ORPINGTON: Golf club president accused of Iran missile conspiracy claims US agents set him up (From News Shopper)

ORPINGTON: Golf club president accused of Iran missile conspiracy claims US agents set him up

4:37pm Thursday 4th November 2010 in Crime By Michael Purton

A RETIRED businessman accused of conspiring to sell parts for Iranian missiles must wait until next year to discover whether he will be extradited to the US.

Christopher Tappin, of Farnborough Park, Orpington denies he attempted to sell batteries for surface-to-air missiles which were to be shipped from the US to Tehran via the Netherlands.

If convicted, the 64-year-old, who is president of Kent County Golf Union, could face 35 years in an American jail.

Father-of-two Mr Tappin, who appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, will learn the outcome of his extradition hearing on January 27.

The court heard the two men accused of conspiring alongside Mr Tappin have already been convicted of the offence in the US and are serving two year prison sentences.

Ben Cooper, defending, claimed US agents sought to entrap his client.

Outside court Mr Tappin said: “I feel I have been set up by US agents.”