Sir Mark Thatcher’s residence in the south of Spain is something of a fortress. Perched above Marbella, the exclusive community is ringed with closed-circuit television cameras and is accessible only through electronic gates with the permission of a resident. Casa Flores, the luxury villa that Sir Mark has been renting, has additional security measures.

However, since his whereabouts became public three months ago, he and his new wife, Sarah Russell, may have moved. Sir Mark was understood to be seeking to settle in Gibraltar. But informed Gibraltarians say that he has not been seen at The Rock, the hotel where he normally stays, for some time. He is thought to have given up his efforts to move to the colony.

Despite the allegations in court yesterday and the desire expressed by the public prosecutor to extradite him, Sir Mark is unlikely to have to travel to Equatorial Guinea. Neither Britain nor Spain has an extradition treaty with the country, although a Spanish Foreign Ministry spokesman said that the justice ministries had “cooperation mechanisms” that could allow an extradition. “You do not necessarily need the treaty,” he said. “What happens is that it is a much longer and more complex process without it.”

In any case, Sir Mark would be able to contest extradition on humanitarian grounds. Amnesty International says that there are more than a dozen prisoners of conscience being held there and that torture is widespread.

Times Recommends

• Rio Tinto four held as China prepares case
• Diplomats must keep heads down and trousers up
• When in Rome should one make like Berlusconi?