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Former pastor extradited from Canada appears in court accused of child sex offences

Yesterday at 07:45

A former pastor has appeared in court after being extradited from Canada on charges of historic child sexual abuse.

James Clarke, also known as Henry Clarke, appeared in the dock of Belfast Magistrates’ Court yesterday accused of offences dating back to the 1960s.

The 81-year-old was charged in court after being brought to Northern Ireland on Friday after an international arrest warrant was issued for him.

It’s alleged that on dates unknown between January 1, 1966 and January 1, 1972 Clarke indecently assaulted a male on two occasions.

He is accused of a third offence of indecent assault on a different male on a date between May 14, 1970 and May 14, 1974.

Clarke’s solicitor told the court bail conditions had been agreed with the prosecution and an address approved by police, but which cannot be reported at this stage, had been provided.

The lawyer requested legal aid to be granted as Clarke was now retired and had spent time in custody in Canada.

A police officer asked that in addition to agreed bail terms his passport also be surrendered and that a surety be put forward as conditions of his release.

District Judge Amanda Henderson freed Clarke on those terms in addition to signing his own bail sum of £500.

The case was adjourned until September 22.