French Court Postpones Extradition Decision

Magistrates in France have today postponed a decision on the extradition of Robert Williams, to the UK, after he was found with a teenage girl from Lincolnshire.

Fifteen-year-old Laura Stainforth, was discovered in France last week with Mr Williams after going missing from her home.

Mr Williams, 49, agreed to be extradited from France, however the 20-minute hearing in Douai was adjourned until February 3.

After a private hearing the 49-year-old was returned to prison.

He could face charges related to the disappearance of the schoolgirl, if he returns to Britain.

A court spokesman said: "There is a delay because the UK authorities have requested certain further procedural work.

"Mr Williams was asked if he would agree to the terms of the extradition warrant and he said he did."

The disappearance of Laura Stainforth, from Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire sparked a nationwide search, with her family pleading for her to return home.

The 49-year-old disappeared with the teenager, on January 14 after allegedly speaking to her in an internet chatroom.

The pair handed themselves in to the British consulate in Lille, north-east France, on Wednesday last week and Mr Williams was arrested.

He appeared before magistrates the following day after a European arrest warrant was issued by British police.

(JM/BMcC)