A MAN WHOSE extradition is being sought by the authorities in Northern Ireland on charges of rape has been granted bail by the High Court in Dublin.
The authorities in the North are seeking the surrender of Patrick Joseph Murtagh (55), Rinawade Lawns, Leixlip, Co Kildare, on two charges of raping a girl under 18 in 1979.
Ms Justice Mary Irvine heard yesterday that Mr Murtagh was arrested on foot of a European Extradition Warrant, previously endorsed by the High Court, on Tuesday evening.
Garda Sgt Jim Kirwan said that, after the contents of the arrest warrant were put to Mr Murtagh by the arresting garda, he “knew what the charges were about”.
Mr Murtagh was granted bail on his own bond of €100 plus an independent surety of €10,000.
Other terms require him to reside at his address in Leixlip, not to travel outside the jurisdiction, and to sign on three times a week with the Garda.
The State did not object to bail being granted.
In the European Arrest Warrant, it is claimed that Mr Murtagh, who is believed to have both Irish and British citizenship, was arraigned at Craigavon court in 2004 after complaints alleging rape were made to the police in 2002. The case was adjourned several times and it is claimed he failed to attend a hearing of the case scheduled for September 2005 or any subsequent hearing.
Mr Murtagh, who formerly lived in Lurgan, Co Armagh, has denied the charges against him.