Emergency landing of plane carrying extradited rape suspect
A PLANE believed to be transporting a suspect in a horrific rape bound for Gold Coast Airport had to make an emergency landing in Sydney last night.
My GC reported the Virgin plane, after departing Melbourne at 3.10pm, was forced to touch down in Sydney due to an on board medical emergency at 4.50pm.
It is understood a female passenger, unrelated to the accused, suffered a serious medical condition which required urgent treatment.
Gold Coast detective extradited the Victorian man, 34, after he was arrested and appeared before Geelong Magistrates Court.
The arrest followed a detailed and protracted investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a woman, 20, who had been jogging along Gooding Drive, Merrimac shortly after 7pm on May 23, 2010.
She was allegedly dragged and raped by the man.
It is understood the plane made it to Gold Coast Airport late last night.
He is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court today, charged with one count of rape.
