A convicted killer, who had been on the run for seven months, appeared in Craigavon Magistrates’ Court earlier today (Friday).
James Meehan was extradited from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland and was up before District Judge Brian Archer, who remanded the 54-year-old back into custody.
Meehan had been unlawfully at large since October 9, 2022.
Meehan was given a life sentence – with a minimum of 14 years, for the murder of Jim McFadden in 2009.
The 42-year-old victim was repeatedly punched in the chest and died from a ruptured heart in an attack that took place after the wedding reception of Mr McFadden’s sister-in-law in Donegal in May 2007.
Earlier, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Officers from the PSNI’s International Policing Unit have today, Friday December 29, extradited a 54-year-old man from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland.
“The man had been unlawfully at large from prison in Northern Ireland since October 2022, and is subject to a life sentence here following a murder conviction in 2009.
“He had initially been arrested in the Republic of Ireland on May 25 this year, and today, completed the extradition proceedings with his successful return to Northern Ireland.
Sergeant Davey from the International Policing Unit added: “This demonstrates our continued and effective working with An Garda Siochana to track down wanted persons and return them to Northern Ireland.
“Should offenders fail to comply with the terms of their release from prison, then the Police Service of Northern Ireland will take all possible steps to have them arrested and returned to prison here in Northern Ireland.”
