Convicted murderer at large for a second time after failing to return to jail
A convicted murderer is at large after failing to return to prison in Northern Ireland for a second time.
James Meehan, 55, has been serving a life sentence at HMP Magilligan in Limavady, Co Londonderry.
He had been on day release on Monday when he failed to return.
‘Police are appealing to anyone who has seen him, or who knows of his whereabouts, not to approach him directly but to contact police on 101,’ officers said.
‘Police would also appeal directly to James to hand himself in.’
This is the second time Meehan has been unlawfully at large, according to the Belfast Telegraph.
He hopped the border into Ireland while on temporary leave from prison in 2022 to attend his brother’s birthday party.
Meehan had to be extradited to be returned to his cell in December 2023.
The convicted killer was jailed for a minimum of 14 years for the murder of Londonderry man James McFadden in 2007.
James, 42, was punched in the chest outside home in Shantallow on the outskirts of Derry following a wedding reception of his sisterin-law in Donegal.
He died of a ruptured heart.
Inmates can temporarily leave jail for the day to attend work placements, school classes or keep up family relationships.
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