Co Tyrone pensioner accused of holiday rape
A Co Tyrone pensioner is wanted in the Republic of Ireland to stand trial for allegedly committing a rape while on holiday, an extradition court heard today.
James O’Rourke, 70, is also being sought to face prosecution on further charges of sexual assault and false imprisonment.
The suspected crimes occurred in Galway back in 2022, according to police.
O’Rourke, 70, of Derryvale Road in Coalisland, was detained under an Irish extradition warrant after he attended Dungannon PSNI station voluntarily on Thursday evening.
Appearing in the dock at Laganside Courts in Belfast, he spoke only to confirm his identity.
Lawyers indicated that he denies the charges and does not consent to extradition.
Stephen Ritchie, counsel for the Republic of Ireland, said: “This is a gentleman who is alleged to have committed serious offences in the south, I think he was on holiday at the time.”
The court heard O’Rourke was questioned by gardai but then returned home to Northern Ireland before detectives could carry out any further interviews.
No further details about the circumstances were disclosed during the brief proceedings.
Concerns were initially raised that if released from custody he may fail to attend future court hearings but defence barrister Sean Devine argued there was no risk of his client fleeing across the border into the jurisdiction where he is being sought.
Mr Devine also stressed O’Rourke’s age and ongoing treatment for serious health issues.
Ultimately bail was not opposed under conditions to ensure he turns up for trial.
Her Honour Judge Laura Ievers agreed to release O’Rourke once a £5,000 cash surety is lodged in court.
She imposed a curfew, electronic tagging and ordered him to report to police in Dungannon three times a week.
Adjourning the case until October 9, Judge Ievers told O’Rourke: “It is noted that your consent to extradition is not forthcoming.”