A FORMER US Marine who abducted a Leigh schoolgirl has been deported.
Toby Studabaker, aged 35, was transported back to the United States on a flight from Manchester Airport on Saturday, in line with the deportation order imposed following his sentence.
The ex-Marine, from Three Rivers in Michigan pleaded guilty to offences of child abduction and inciting a child to commit an act of gross indecency after he abducted a 12-year-old Leigh girl he met on the Internet.
In April 2004, he was sentenced to two, four and a half year custodial sentences to run concurrently.
A carefully managed, fully risk assessed operation was prepared to ensure his successful, safe return to Chicago.
Greater Manchester Police, the Border and Immigration Agency, the Home Office, British Midland airline and US partners including the Department of Justice and the FBI all worked closely throughout the deportation procedure to ensure it passed without incident.
Studabaker will now face trial in the US for four charges brought under Michigan and Chicago state law.
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