Man accused of rape and faking own death is arrested after ‘being aggressive towards hospital staff’
A man involved in extradition proceedings to the United States on a rape charge has been arrested at a Glasgow hospital.
Arthur Knight, whom the US authorities claim to be Nicholas Rossi, is accused of behaving in a threatening or abusing manner at a ward in Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on Tuesday.
The charge against him claims he acted in an aggressive manner towards a consultant and a senior charge nurse while in the course of their duties.
It is alleged Knight shouted, swore, lunged at them and pursued them.
Court papers state Knight goes by other names such as Nicholas Rossi, Nicholas Alahverdian, Nicholas Brown, Arthur Winston Brown and Arthur Knight Brown.
Read more: Is this man a fugitive rape suspect who faked own death or victim of mistaken identity?
Nicholas Rossi is wanted in connection with the rape of a 21-year-old woman in Utah in September 2008, and is also alleged to have assaulted women in Rhode Island, Ohio and Massachusetts.
Authorities in Utah say he fled the US to avoid prosecution and attempted to lead investigators to believe he was dead.
Arthur Knight has been living in Glasgow with his wife Miranda since late last year.
An Interpol ‘red notice’ was issued for the arrest of Nicholas Rossi and he was identified as the fugitive after being admitted to hospital with COVID.
The latest hearing regarding the US extradition request has been scheduled for Thursday at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
With regard to his arrest in connection with the hospital disturbance, Knight was due to appear by video link at a Glasgow Sheriff Court virtual hearing.
Prosecutor Julie Clark told the court: “My information is Mr Knight is at a police office. He has identified that he is not fit to come to court.”
She added: “I have medical evidence that he is not unfit and was fit to be detained.
“I would ask that he was brought to court rather than appear by link.”
Sheriff James Spy continued the case without plea until Thursday and authorised Knight to attend or be represented.
Knight was remanded in custody.
