WATCH | Man accused of sex assault offences fighting extradition from United States

A man, who is accused of sexual assault offences in the midlands, will learn early next week if he will be extradited from the USA.

The man, who is in the custody of the United States Marshals service since his arrest on January 16 last, appeared in court in Albany, New York on Friday, February 1. 

He is facing a total of 394 charges, including 177 counts of rape and 210 counts of sexual assault.

Court documents show the man, described as having 'a significant involvement in the GAA scene', is accused of abusing one male victim between the age of 11 and 16 and a second from the age of 13 onwards, mostly at a GAA ground in the midlands between 2004 and 2009.

At the extradition hearing, the man's sister addressed the court and asked the judge to release her brother on bail because she said he is suffering from health problems.

His lawyer suggested that his client should not be extradited as had not fled Ireland but rather moved to the US and lived openly using his real name. 

The prosecution contended that the defendant should not be released from custody, describing him as a flight risk.

Letters of support that had been received from the accused man's landlord and employer and the presiding Judge indicated that he needed more time to consider matters. 

RTE News reports that the defendant was remanded back into custody and the Judge reserved judgment until early next week.