A 59-year-old man has appeared in court in Auckland today having been extradited from Australia to face charges of historical sex abuse.
Robert Keith Fowler stands accused of 14 indecent acts and four indecent assaults committed against eight female victims ranging in age from five to 45. The offences are alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 1993 when Mr Fowler was living in Taumarunui.
The alleged offences didn't come to light until 1996, two-and-a-half years after the accused had left New Zealand for Australia. New Zealand Police were therefore unable at that time to put the allegations to Mr Fowler.
In 2009 the case was reviewed and in December 2010 New Zealand Police was granted approval to apply for extradition. Charges were laid in Taumarunui District Court, a warrant was sought for his arrest and the extradition application was approved.
On 19 April this year New Zealand Police was advised that Mr Fowler had been arrested by Australian Federal Police. He remained in police custody in Sydney until yesterday when he was flown to New Zealand arriving last night. He was put before Manukau District Court today.
Acting Detective Inspector Keith Borrell said: "We take allegations of sexual abuse incredibly seriously and will not let the passage of time or geographical challenges stop us from helping victims and prosecuting offenders."
Bail was opposed and Mr Fowler will remain in custody until his next appearance in Taumarunui District Court on 12 June, 2012.
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