A FORMER Roman Catholic priest has been remanded in custody after being extradited to Britain from the United States to face allegations of sexual abuse.

Father James Robinson, who worked as parish priest at Holy Trinity, Newcastle, between 1974 and 1979, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during a hearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

The 71-year-old clergyman, who was not asked to enter a plea, is alleged to have abused young boys in Walsall, Birmingham, Coventry and Wales between 1959 and 1983.

Magistrates ordered Robinson to appear at Birmingham Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on November 3.

There was no application for bail. Robinson faces 22 charges, including 12 of indecent assault and three of gross indecency.

A spokesman for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham said: "The archdiocese is fully committed to the safety and protection of children."