Man wanted in UK for indecent assaults before High Court

A 67-year-old man wanted in the UK on charges of indecently assaulting a young girl more than 25 years ago has appeared before the High Court following his arrest by gardaí today.

The British authorities are seeking the extradition of London-born John Anthony Howell, who is facing five charges of indecently assaulting a young female on various dates between 1979 and 1984.

Today at the High Court Mrs Justice Maureen Clark was informed that a European Extradition Warrant seeking Mr Howell's surrender stated the assaults are alleged to have commenced when the girl was approximately nine years of age.

It is further claimed that the alleged assaults occurred at locations in the English county of Essex.

The EAW also stated that the alleged victim , who is now aged in her early 40s, made a complaint against Mr Howell to the British police in 2009.

If convicted of the charges Mr Howell, with an address at Rathcabbin, Roscrea, Co Tipperary, could face a lengthy prison sentence.

The Judge was also informed that the warrant seeking Mr Howell's extradition was issued earlier this year by a British court and was subsequently endorsed by the High Court in Dublin.

Detective Sgt. Sean Fallon of the Garda Extradition Unit told the court he arrested Mr Howell at the 67-year-old's residence in Co Tipperary on Tuesday.

Sgt. Fallon said when he asked Mr Howell if he knew what the charges contained in the EAW were about Mr Howell replied "no".

The State did not object to Mr Howell being granted bail.

The court said it was prepared to grant Mr Howell, who was legally represented, bail on terms including that he reside at his address in Co Tipperary, sign on regularly with the gardaí, surrender his travel documents and provide a surety of €2,000.

During today's brief hearing Mr Howell, dressed in a dark T-shirt and wearing sandals, spoke only to confirm his identity and acknowledged that he understood his bail conditions.

The Judge made the matter returnable before the High Court to a date later this month.