Catholic Brother Loses Extradition Appeal

West Australian
December 17, 2014

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/world/a/25801123/catholic-brother-loses-extradition-appeal/

An ex-Catholic brother has lost another bid to stop his extradition from NZ to face abuse charges.

A former Catholic brother has another round in his fight against an extradition from New Zealand to Australia to face 250 historical child sex charges.

Bernard Kevin McGrath, 66, was in court earlier this month seeking a judicial review of former NZ justice minister Judith Collins' decision to extradite him.

But on Wednesday, Justice Cameron Mander in the High Court at Christchurch found Ms Collins hadn't made any reviewable mistakes in her decision that McGrath be surrendered to Australia and declined the review.

McGrath had argued there had been breaches of suppression orders by Whale Oil blogger Cameron Slater that could have lead to bias given the friendly relationship between Mr Slater and Ms Collins.

He also challenged her decision on other points, arguing she hadn't acted in accordance with natural justice and had got facts wrong in her decision.

McGrath said he didn't have any family or support in Australia and had no guarantee of financial support or legal aid.

Crown Law did not wish to comment on Justice Mander's decision as McGrath still has legal options available including appealing the decision.

Christchurch District Court Judge Jane Farish ruled in June last year that McGrath should be extradited.

McGrath appealed against the decision and Judge Farish ruled that the extradition request would go to the minister of justice for consideration.

The process was delayed after his lawyers asked for more time to make submissions.

McGrath, who's a New Zealand citizen, is on bail.