Man featured on 'Crimewatch' facing extradition

A man wanted by the UK authorities in connection with the rape of a teenage girl five years ago has been remanded in custody by the High Court in Dublin today.

Mr Justice Michael Peart was told this evening that John Renner Dillon (aged 41), a native of Newcastle in England was arrested yesterday on foot of a European Extradition warrant.

John Renner Dillon is wanted in the UK where he is facing charges for the alleged rape of a then 16-year-old girl on Tyne and Wear in the North East of England in October 2002.

It is claimed that he failed to turn up before a Magistrates count in England in October 2002, while on bail.

It is also claimed that the UK authorities had issued an appeal for information in relation to Renner Dillon on the BBC's 'Crimewatch' programme.

Today the High Court heard that John Renner Dillon was detained by the gardaí at Harold's Cross Road, Dublin 6 at 2.50pm on Monday afternoon.

The Court was told that when questioned by gardaí about the warrant, the man denied he was John Renner Dillon. The man claimed he was "Jeff Woodhouse".

At this stage, the Court heard, that the man became "very violent" and had to be restrained by the gardaí.

After being informed of his rights and given a copy of the extradition warrant the man asked: "Who shopped me?"

As he was being taken to the Bridewell Garda Station, he again became very violent and as a result was taken to Kevin Street Garda Station.

The Court also heard that "Jeff Woodhouse" was an alias being used by the person whose extradition is being sought and that tattoos on the man corresponded to the ones described in the warrant.

It is believed that prior to his arrest, Tanner had been working in a factory in Dunboyne in Co Meath.

Mr Justice Peart said that he was satisfied that the person before the court was the person whose surrender was being sought and remanded Dillon in custody until Wednesday, when he is due to appear before the High Court.

No application for bail was made on Renner-Dillon's behalf.