A 21-year-old convicted rapist from Co Clare appeared in court last night following his extradition from London, where he fled in 2005 in breach of probation conditions.
Detectives from Kilrush travelled to London yesterday, where Graham Haugh, Drumina, Dysert, Ennis, was handed over to them after a court there ruled he could be extradited. The accused was then flown back to Shannon airport under Garda escort and taken before a special sitting of the District Court in Ennis.
Sgt John Ryan told the court that the accused was wanted on foot of two warrants from the Circuit Court and three from the District Court. The three District Court warrants relate to other matters to which the accused has already pleaded. They include possession of drugs and assault.
Haugh was found guilty in March 2004 of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old boy in April 2001. Haugh, who was 15 at the time, was one of three males who raped and sexually assaulted the boy at Haugh's then home in Kilrush.
Haugh was not given a custodial sentence. However, the court recommended therapy. In 2005, he absconded to England, breaching the conditions of his probation, and reportedly joined the British army under an assumed name.
Haugh's solicitor applied for free legal aid and told the court that his client and his family have been the subject of threats since it became known that he was to be extradited back to Ireland.
Haugh did not speak during the brief hearing.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy remanded Haugh in custody to Ennis District Court on Monday next, while the accused was further remanded in custody to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on August 8th.