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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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The Press
September 18 2002

Extradition may take time
NZPA

Police say it could take up to two years to extradite from Britain a former Upper Hutt priest accused of sexually abusing teenage boys in New Zealand.

Alan Woodcock, 54, is accused of indecently assaulting teenage boys at Silverstream in Upper Hutt, Wellington, and Palmerston North between 1982 and 1985 while working as a teacher.

Woodcock was arrested in August as he returned from Greece to his home in London.

Twelve people have made formal allegations to police that they were sexually abused by Woodcock.

He was remanded in custody until October 4 when he made his third appearance in Bow Street Magistrates Court in London last week.

Formal papers requesting Woodcock's extradition are now with the Crown Law Office and when approved by the Solicitor-General, the file will be forwarded to Britain.

Detective Sergeant Murray Porter, of the Upper Hutt police, said he expected a full extradition hearing to begin on October 4. Woodcock had indicated he would fight extradition. Mr Porter said Woodcock would have a chance to waive his rights at the hearing on October 4 which would "resolve the whole thing pretty quickly".

However, if Woodcock opted to continue contesting the extradition, it could take up to two years to get him home.

"It depends on the appeal processes ... if they want to contest it right through the (British) court system," Mr Porter said.

Police officers from New Zealand would not go to Britain until an extradition warrant had been issued.