Ballymena child sexual offence suspect extradited from Spain to Northern Ireland

A man wanted in connection with child sexual offences in Ballymena has been extradited from Spain to Northern Ireland, five years after he allegedly failed to answer bail.

The 45-year-old suspect was transferred back to Northern Ireland on Thursday, 27 November 2025, following his arrest earlier this year in the Canary Islands.

He is wanted to stand trial for five offences of sexual activity with a child, alleged to have taken place in the Ballymena area in August and October 2020.

Police confirmed that the man had been sought for arrest since 2021 after failing to answer bail. He was located in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, where he was arrested on 25 April 2025.

Extradition proceedings concluded this week, enabling his return to Northern Ireland.

The suspect is expected to appear before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court today, Friday, 28 November.

Sergeant Davey from the International Policing Unit said:

“This extradition demonstrates our commitment to tracking down fugitives wanted here in Northern Ireland.”

He added:

“In this case we worked closely with the UK’s Joint International Crime Centre and Spain’s Policía Nacional to locate, arrest and extradite this suspect.

“Our message is clear to anyone who has left Northern Ireland to the consequences of their actions. We will relentlessly pursue those that are trying to delay or deny justice to victims of crime.

“The Police Service of Northern Ireland will continue to work with our national and international partners to make sure offenders are brought before the courts.”