North's authorities seek extradition of rape suspect

A 55-year old man whose extradition is being sought by the authorities in the North on charges of rape has been remanded in custody with consent to bail.

Today the High Court heard that the authorities in the North are seeking the surrender of Patrick Joseph Murtagh with an address at Rinawade Lawns, Leixlip, Co Kildare on two charges of raping a female under the age of 18 years in 1979.

Ms Justice Mary Irvine heard that Mr Murtagh was arrested on foot of a European Extradition Warrant, previously endorsed by the High Court, on Tuesday evening.

Garda Stg Jim Kirwan said that after the contents of the EAW were put to Mr Murtagh by the arresting Garda the 55 year replied that he "knew what the charges were about".

Mr Murtagh's was granted bail on his own bond of €100 plus an independent surety of €10,000. Other terms included that he must to reside at his address in Leixlip, not to travel outside the jurisdiction and sign on three times a week with the Gardaí. The State did not object to bail being granted.

The judge made the matter returnable to later this month.

In the EAW it is claimed that Mr Murtagh, who is believed to have both Irish and British citizenship, was arraigned at Craigavon Court in 2004, after complaints alleging rape were made to the police in 2002.

The case was adjourned on several occasions. It is claimed that he failed to attend a hearing of the case scheduled for September 2005 or any subsequent hearing.

The North's authorities added that Mr Murtagh, who formerly resided in Lurgan Co Armagh, has denied the charges against him.