Gardaí seek to extradite Tyrone man over rape allegations

Gardaí are seeking to extradite a Co Tyrone pensioner to stand trial for allegedly committing a rape while on holiday in Galway four years ago.

The 70-year-old man from Coalisland is also being sought to face prosecution on further charges of sexual assault and false imprisonment.

He was released on bail after an extradition hearing in Belfast this morning.

The alleged crimes occurred in Galway in 2022.

The pensioner was detained under an Irish extradition warrant after he attended Dungannon PSNI station voluntarily yesterday evening.

Appearing in the dock at Laganside Courts in Belfast, he spoke only to confirm his identity.

Lawyers indicated that he denies the charges and does not consent to extradition.

The court was told that he was questioned by gardaí but went home to Northern Ireland before detectives could carry out any further interviews.

No further details about the circumstances were disclosed during the brief proceedings.

Judge Laura Levers agreed to release him once a £5,000 cash surety was lodged in court.

She imposed a curfew, electronic tagging and ordered him to report to police in Dungannon three times a week.

The case was adjourned until 9 October.