Extradition proceedings have started in the US to bring a Bradford man back to the UK to face historic child sex charges.

Hotel and casino worker Barry Willoughby, 45, has been detained at a prison in Mississippi, where he now lives, after a warrant was issued over allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency with a girl under the age of 14.

According to US Court records, the offences are alleged to have been committed in the Bradford area between June and October 1998.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman last night confirmed extradition proceedings had started as part of an ongoing investigation into historic sex offences.

He said: “Extradition proceedings are currently in place in relation to a 45-year-old man from Bradford.

“It is part of an investigation into historic sexual offences which occurred in the local area.

“Inquiries remain ongoing.”

Willoughby, who is believed to be a former pupil at Buttershaw Comprehensive School, was taken into custody in Biloxi, Mississippi, on October 17 on a warrant issued in Bradford in January last year.

He is expected to appear at the US District Court in Gulfport on November 15 for an extradition hearing, where a judge will determine if he faces extraditable offences under existing treaties.

The judge’s recommendation will then be forwarded to the State Department for a final decision on whether Willoughby should be sent back to Britain to face the allegations.

His lawyer, John Weber, said in a US media report this week that his client, who married in June this year, is a British citizen living legally in Mississippi and maintains his innocence.

“This came as a complete shock to Mr Willoughby,” he added.