Liam Adams remanded on continuing bail in extradition case

Liam Adams, the brother of Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, appeared briefly in the High Court today and was remanded on continuing bail until next month, in his ongoing extradition case.

Adams, of Bernagh Avenue in Belfast, is wanted in the North on alleged sex abuse charges.

Authorities in the North want the 54-year-old to face charges of multiple counts of rape, indecent assault and gross indecency against his daughter, Aine Tyrell, who has waived her right to anonymity.

It is claimed the offences occurred at various addresses in Belfast between March 1977 and March 1983, when the alleged victim was aged between four and 10 years. It is also alleged some of the offences occurred when Ms Tyrell's mother was out of the family's home.

Adams denies all the charges, and is contesting his extradition.

Earlier this year, he turned himself into gardaí in Dublin, after a European Arrest Warrant was issued by the PSNI.

He has already denied he fled the North a year ago to escape prosecution, but claims he feared he and his children were in danger after media reports of the allegations.

He maintains he will not get a fair trial.

Adams is also appealing a High Court decision to refuse an order of discovery made by his legal team last July, as part of the defence case against his extradition to the North.

This relates to the court's ruling that it would not grant the order sought by Mr Adams, for a letter sent by authorities here, seeking “further clarification” of certain issues from the Crown Solicitor’s office in Belfast.

In the High Court yesterday, Adams' defence counsel, Ms Caroline Cummings BL, informed Judge Michael Peart that submissions have been filed in the Supreme Court.

Judge Peart adjourned the matter for mention again on December 15 and remanded Adams on continuing bail.

Adams, wearing a dark navy overcoat, sat alone at the back of the courtroom for the duration of the brief hearing.