Priest Francis Paul Cullen awaits sex case extradition

Police said Francis Paul Cullen faces charges dating back more than 40 years

An 85-year-old Catholic priest accused of sexually assaulting boys in the East Midlands is awaiting extradition to the UK.

Francis Paul Cullen was arrested in Tenerife, where police said he had lived "for some time".

The Catholic Diocese of Nottingham said it was "very keen" to him to come back and face charges that will be put before him.

He is due to be questioned by Derbyshire Police.

Father Andrew Cole, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Nottingham, said the diocese had worked closely with the police.

"We have encouraged them in their investigation and we are very keen for him to come back so that he can face the charges that will be laid before him," he said.

Mr Cullen faces 16 charges dating back more than 40 years.

Derbyshire Police said they had worked closely with the Spanish police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) to track the priest down.

He was arrested using a European Arrest Warrant.

He went before the High Court in Madrid where he consented to be handed over to the British authorities.

Judge Eloy Velasco then ordered the priest's extradition.