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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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The Dominion Post
March 4, 2003

Ex-priest may fight sex case extradition
by Hannah Lawrence

A former New Zealand priest accused of sexually abusing children is likely to appeal against extradition from London.

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.

The former Marist priest was arrested in London in August last year.

Detective Sergeant Murray Porter of Upper Hutt, who is heading the investigation, asked British authorities to begin court proceedings to have Woodcock extradited to face sexual abuse charges in New Zealand.

Mr Porter said yesterday that Woodcock had been given more time to decide whether to lodge an appeal with the Home Secretary.

"We had not had any official notification from the UK as to the status of the Woodcock extradition appeal, although we know he has been given an extension till March 12," Mr Porter said.

"But indications from crown prosecutions and our police liaison in the UK are that an appeal is probable."

If an appeal was pursued extradition could be delayed up to two years.