Extradition appeal allowed over priests

New Zealand authorities have Australian court clearance to appeal a decision last month that overturned an extradition order against two Catholic clergymen facing historical sex abuse charges.

Justice Rodney Madgwick had overturned the extradition order granted last year because he said Brother Rodger Moloney, 71, and Father Raymond Garchow, 58, would not get a fair trial.

Justice Richard Edmonds, sitting in the Federal Court in Sydney this week, allowed New Zealand authorities the right to an expeditious appeal against the decision. A date has yet to be set.

The charges relate to allegations at the former Marylands school in Christchurch dating from the 1960s.