Extradited Convicted Killer Returns to Northern Ireland

A 56-year-old man, previously convicted of murder, has been returned to Northern Ireland following his escape to the Republic of Ireland while on temporary day release from Magilligan Prison in County Londonderry.

James Meehan was sentenced in 2009 to a minimum of 14 years in prison for the 2007 killing of Jim McFadden, a father of four, in the Shantallow area of Londonderry.

Meehan failed to return to prison after an unaccompanied day release on 9 December 2024, prompting a nationwide search. Authorities in the Republic of Ireland later detained him, and he has now been extradited back to Northern Ireland.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed on Tuesday that Meehan is expected to appear before Ballymena Magistrates' Court in the near future.

The incident has drawn attention to prison release procedures, and officials have issued apologies for the situation surrounding the escape and subsequent recapture of the offender.

Author: Sophia Brooks