Man on UK rape charge arrested in Dublin

The High Court has remanded in custody a man wanted by the UK authorities in connection with the rape of a teenage girl five …

The High Court has remanded in custody a man wanted by the UK authorities in connection with the rape of a teenage girl five years ago.

Mr Justice Michael Peart was told yesterday that John Renner Dillon (41), a native of Newcastle in England, was arrested yesterday on foot of a European extradition warrant.

Mr Renner Dillon is wanted in the UK where he is facing charges over the alleged rape of a then 16-year-old girl on Tyne and Wear in the northeast of England in October 2002.

It is claimed that he failed to turn up before a magistrates' court in England in October 2002, while on bail.

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It is claimed that the UK authorities had issued an appeal for information in relation to Mr Renner Dillon on the BBC's Crimewatch programme.

The High Court heard Mr Renner Dillon was detained by gardaí at Harold's Cross Road, Dublin, at 2.50pm yesterday and then brought to court.

When questioned by gardaí about the warrant, he denied he was John Renner Dillon and said he was "Jeff Woodhouse".

He became "very violent" and had to be restrained by gardaí, the court was told.

The court was told Jeff Woodhouse was an alias being used by the person whose extradition is being sought and that tattoos on the man corresponded with the ones described in the warrant.

Mr Justice Peart said he was satisfied that the person before the court was the person whose surrender was being sought.

He remanded him in custody to tomorrow when he is again due to appear before the High Court.