11/11/2009

Priest Faces Extradition Over Rape

A Catholic priest is facing a request for his extradition from the US after being accused of twice raping a 15-year-old boy in Ireland.

Father Francis Markey, aged 81, was arrested in South Bend, Indiana, on Monday on an outstanding warrant, and has since appeared in court.

The US court heard that the allegations, dating from 2006, related to incidents of abuse which occurred over 38 years ago in Lough Derg and in Co Galway.

The priest told the judge he was 'at a loss' explaining that he was in bad health, had survived a stroke and had recently fallen and hit his head.

The court heard that Irish authorities had issued warrants for Fr Markey in April and May of last year and requested that Fr Markey be held without bail until the extradition request was resolved.

The judge set the extradition hearing for 16 November to allow the priest more time to find legal representation.

(DW/KMcA)

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