PATRICK COWLAND, CHILDREN'S AUTHOR FROM WEXFORD, REMANDED IN UK CUSTODY IN CHELTENHAM CASE
Patrick Dorian Cowland, also known as Patrick Joseph Cormack, a 72-year-old children's author and former accountant from Ballagh, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland, has been remanded in custody in the United Kingdom.Cowland was wanted in the UK over alleged historical sexual assaults on two boys in Cheltenham, Gloucester.
He appeared before Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday, nearly ten months after an international arrest warrant was issued.
Cowland was transferred to HMP Hewell in Redditch, Worcestershire, where he is currently detained.
The court has previously been informed that Cowland, who has also worked as a photographer, met and befriended one of the alleged victims in Oxford during the 1970s.
The charges against him include eight counts of indecent assault and gross indecency involving two boys one between 1973 and 1975 in Cheltenham, and the other between 1979 and 1982, with incidents in various locations across England and Wales.
During his recent hearing, Cowland told Recorder Neil Millard that he arrived without relevant documentation or funds.
He explained that his previous Gloucestershire lawyer was unable to continue legal aid work, leaving him unrepresented and unable to afford private counsel.
Recorder Millard responded, stating, "You need to be legally represented because of the charges you face.
I understand that your lawyer, who you previously paid for yourself, is unable to take on legal aid work." The judge adjourned the case for seven days, allowing Cowland time to find legal representation.
He added, "I understand that the prosecutor today, Mr.
David Maunder, has offered to contact a local lawyer on your behalf."
