The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Sex probe priest may be extradited
A retired priest from the Highlands could be extradited to Scotland from Canada following a child sex abuse probe.
Father Robert MacKenzie was a teacher at Fort Augustus Abbey and left the country in 1988.
Allegations emerged in 2013 of physical and sexual abuse at the school. It is claimed the offences took place over a 25-year period from 1967 to 1992. The school closed in 1993.
The Crown Office went to court earlier this month to apply for a petition warrant for Father MacKenzie’s arrest – the first step in a legal process that could lead to an extradition warrant to bring him to Scotland to face charges.
A Crown Office spokesman confirmed a petition warrant had been sought against him.
He said: “The procurator fiscal received a report concerning a now 84-year-old male in connection with alleged historical offences. No court dates have been scheduled at this time.”
It could take up to two years to bring him before a Scottish Court.
Father MacKenzie denies the allegations against him.