British fugitives to be deported from Philippines

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine immigration officials say they will deport two British fugitives convicted of child molestation and sexual assault in their country.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said 70-year-old Keefer James Cooper and 50-year-old David Alan Williams were arrested separately on July 17 in southern Zamboanga del Norte province after the British Embassy declared them fugitives.

He said Thursday that the two would be deported this week.

Citing embassy documents, Philippine officials say Cooper was sentenced in absentia by Woolrich Crown Court in London for 10 counts of rape and indecent assault against children. He fled to the Philippines in 2009.

Williams was convicted of indecent assault on a child by a Worcestershire court in May 2004.  He fled to the Philippines that year while out on bail.