I was wondering if we could learn anything about Judge Howard Riddle by some of his past judicial decisions. He has made some rather high-profile, not to mention controversial decisions. I note the following:

1) He just ruled on a high-profile case this week (March 17)---in which he chose not to extradite a mafia boss to Italy based at least partially on his concern of poor prison conditions in Italy, as well as saying he was bound by a higher court decision:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-26612261

Another publication termed the ruling as a 'Shock UK Ruling':

http://rt.com/news/mafia-boss-uk-extradition-438/

On the other hand, he ruled in favor or extraditing Julian Assange to Sweden in 2011:

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/41752636/ns/us_news-wikileaks_in_security/t/uk-judge-oks-assange-extradition-sweden/#.UynM0vldUSM

Lastly, here is a case in which he levied what most in the country felt was an insultingly low fine on two men accused of 'poppy burning' on Armistice Day (The equivalent of flag burning on Veterans or Memorial Day in the states?)

http://www.euronews.com/2011/03/08/uk-muslim-poppy-burners-fine-sparks-heated-debate/

I'm sure there are others available, just wondered if anyone feels they can infer much from looking at some of these past decisions.