Sex case defendant Liam Adams has been refused bail by a Belfast court as he fights charges that he raped and abused his daughter.

The 56-year-old Adams, brother of Sinn Fein leader Gerry, was remanded in custody after his extradition from the Republic.

Adams had fled south after his daughter Aine Tyrell reported 18 counts of rape and indecent and sexual assault to Belfast police.

He was eventually extradited on Wednesday and handed over to PSNI detectives at the border after a lengthy legal battle.

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District Judge Fiona Bagnell refused a request for bail when Adams appeared at Laganside Magistrates’ Court in Belfast charged with the abuse of his daughter.

Judge Bagnell said her decision was in line with the concerns of police who believe there is a risk that the defendant might not attend future hearings.

Adams, who denies the charges, was remanded in custody for one week to appear in court on November 10th by video link when he will again face 18 charges, including rape and gross indecency.
Solicitor Philip Breen, acting for Adams, contested claims by the investigating officer that police had first sought his client more than 20 years ago over the allegations.

Breen claimed that Adams had co-operated with the police on both sides of the Border despite the high profile of the case because of his relation to Gerry Adams.

The solicitor also stated that his client’s second wife and a daughter, who were both in court, were prepared to give evidence in support of the bail application.

He also confirmed that Adams will fight the charges. “It is going to be a long, protracted battle,” said Breen.