Richey's son is arrested in the US

Published on Saturday 22 December 2007 18:50

THE son of reprieved death row prisoner Kenny Richey has been arrested by police in the United States after he tried to visit his father.

Sean Richey was held by the authorities in Ohio after a warrant was issued in connection with allegations of assault.

It comes just three days after Richey, who was brought up in Edinburgh, agreed a plea-bargain which will see him freed after almost 20 years in an American jail.

Richey's son was arrested after making his way to Putnam County, Ohio from Minnesota where he now lives.

The 22-year-old is facing charges of third-degree assault, making threats and fifth-degree assault.

He is currently being held in custody and it is believed he has agreed to sign a waiver form to allow him to be extradited back to his home state.

Karen Tolley, ex-fiancee of Richey snr and a long-term campaigner for his release, said Sean had hoped to speak to his father after hearing of his release.

"He travelled through when he thought Kenny would be leaving and he thought this would be the last chance to see him. Now he has been arrested. He is not in the same jail as his father," she said.

Richey, 43, had been due to fly home to Scotland yesterday after brokering a deal with the US authorities.

He was sentenced to death after being convicted of an arson attack on a house in Ohio in 1987 in which two-year-old Cynthia Collins died.

Last week, Richey pleaded "no contest" to attempted involuntary manslaughter, child endangering and breaking and entering.

However, this has had to be put on hold after he was taken to hospital suffering chest pains before his scheduled court hearing.

He spent a short time in hospital before being returned to prison where he is now awaiting a new date for the court appearance which will finally allow him to come home.

Torley added: "Kenny has been fitted with a heart catheter and taken back to jail.

"His lawyer has said he is fine but he is a little bit groggy after the operation.

"His lawyer is hoping to go to court on Christmas Eve to ask for a new date, so we are still hoping it will be this week and Kenny will get back before the New Year."

However, court authorities in Putnam County have said Richey's new hearing may not take place until the New Year.