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Man face sex assault charges in Republic loses legal battle against extradition from north

The High Court in Belfast
The High Court in Belfast The High Court in Belfast

A MAN wanted for the alleged sexual assault of a woman at his Co Cork home has lost a legal battle against extradition from Northern Ireland.

Donal Riordan was appealing an order for his removal to stand trial over claims of carrying out the attack six years ago.

With the 50 year-old now full-time carer for a wife he met in Northern Ireland, he argued that a return to the Republic could breach their human rights.

But despite accepting the role Riordan plays, High Court judges in Belfast identified a possible adverse impact on other relationships if he was allowed to remain in Northern Ireland.

Riordan is accused of committing sexual assault at his apartment on North Main Street, Youghal in June 2011.

Riordan denies the allegations, claiming he contacted gardai the next day and was told they were not looking to interview him at present but that he should "keep his head down".

According to his account the advice related to a threat he was under from a criminal gang.

Riordan left the Republic a few days later and has remained in Northern Ireland ever since.

He acknowledged gardai contacted him several times but denied being on the run.

He was detained on a European Arrest Warrant in December 2016, with the original extradition order made by the Recorder for Belfast in May.

Judges held that the facts of the case were not enough to halt extradition.