NZ to appeal non-extradition of two on sex charges

New Zealand authorities are set to appeal an Australian decision not to extradite a Catholic priest and monk accused of historic sex offences.

The Press newspaper today reported an appeal would be lodged against an Australian Federal Court decision released two weeks ago overturning an extradition order for Brother Rodger Moloney, 71, and Father Raymond Garchow, 58.

The men belong to the St John of God Order and were due to face charges of sexual abuse relating to children at Christchurch's Marylands Special School in the 1970s.

But Justice Rodney Madgwick ruled in Sydney that the delay in bringing the charges meant the pair would not get a fair trial in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Solicitor-General and Director of Public Prosecutions in Sydney have given the go-ahead for an appeal, which must be lodged by Monday, the newspaper said.

Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust manager Ken Clearwater told The Press the alleged victims would be "rapt" to hear of the appeal.

"Crimes have (allegedly) been committed here and these two men have to return to New Zealand to face their charges," Mr Clearwater said.

- NZPA