Man accused of raping teenage girl consents to UK extradition

An English man, wanted in connection with the rape of a teenage girl just over five years ago, has consented to his extradition back to the UK.

Mr Justice Michael Peart was told by the High Court yesterday that John Renner Dillon (aged 41), a native of Newcastle in England who had been working in Ireland prior to his arrest by the gardaí, wished to return to the UK as soon as possible.

Mr 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 court in England in October 2002 while on bail.

Today, the High Court was told by counsel for Mr Dillon, Mr Giollaiosa Ó Lideadha SC, that his client was consenting to an order for his extradition to the UK being made. Mr Dillon told the court that he had received legal advice and was aware of his rights.

Mr Justice Peart said that he was satisfied to make an order that Mr Dillon, whose consent was voluntary, be surrendered to the requesting state, and that Mr Dillon was aware of the consequences of such an order being made.

The British authorities had issued an appeal for information in relation to Dillon on the BBC's 'Crimewatch' programme.

It is believed that prior to his arrest Mr Dillon was working in a factory in Dunboyne in Co Meath.

Previously the High Court heard that Dillon was detained by the Gardaí at Harold's Cross Road in Dublin, on foot of an extradition warrant, in early December last.

When questioned by Gardaí he had denied he was John Renner Dillon and had claimed he was "Jeff Woodhouse".

It was also claimed that he became "very violent" and had to be restrained by the Gardaí. The court also heard that 'Jeff Woodhouse' was an alias being used by Mr Dillon.

After being informed of his rights and given a copy of the warrant, Dillon asked "who shopped me?"

As he was being taken to the Bridewell garda station he again became very violent so was instead taken to Kevin Street garda station.