Inverness rape accused extradited from USA to UK to face charges; Kim Avis, also known as Kim Gordon is expected to appear in court today

AN Inverness fugitive who is facing 24 charges, including rape and sexual assault, has been returned to Scotland from America.

Kim Avis was arrested in July and faced extradition proceedings last month.

The 55-year-old, who is also known as Kim Gordon, was returned to the UK by the US authorities on Friday.

In a statement Nicole Navas Oxman, a spokeswoman for the US Department of Justice, said: "The United States surrendered Kim Vincent Avis aka Kim Gordon to Scottish authorities to face trial on a number of charges including rape, attempted rape, assault, lewd and indecent practices, breach of the peace, malicious damage and failing to appear in court for trial.

"The surrender comes after he waived his right to an extradition hearing regarding the request by the United Kingdom pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and the UK.

"The case was handled by the Office of International Affairs of the US Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and US Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado with support from the US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia.

"The transfer of custody was coordinated and carried out by the US Marshals Service. Further information will be available from Scottish authorities in due course."

Avis was reported missing after allegedly going for a swim at Monastery Beach in Carmel, California, in February.

He was found in Colorado in July after an extensive search and was expected to appear in court today for a bail hearing.