Convicted sex offender held in Dublin
02/09/2010 - 19:00:41The High Court has remanded in custody a 57-year-old convicted sex offender wanted in Scotland for allegedly failing to notify the authorities there of his whereabouts.
Today the High Court heard that the Scottish authorities are seeking the extradition of Fraser Benjamin McLaughlin, who was arrested at a Dublin city centre hostel.
In a European Arrest Warrant (EAW ) seeking his surrender it is claimed that the 57-year-old broke the conditions of Sexual Offenders' Register by failing to notify the police of his location and that he also failed to answer bail over charges linked to child abuse images.
Mr Justice Peter Charleton, who heard details of Mr McLaughlin's arrest, remanded him in custody to Cloverhill prison until September 15, when the case returns before the High Court.
The Judge also informed Mr McLaughlin of his legal rights including that he was entitled to legal representation.
It is now up to Mr McLaughlin to either challenge the extradition request in the courts or consent to his surrender back to Scotland.
In the EAW seeking his surrender it is claimed that McLaughlin was convicted in 2004 for possession of child pornography.
He was also was placed on the sex offenders' register, which requires him to notify the police of his location. However he had not been heard from by the authorities since May 5 last.
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