Killer flees island following tensions over return home

A killer has fled a Donegal island following tensions over his return.

Stephen Boyle, aged 44, was jailed for six years in 2012 after being on remand since 2009 for the killing of Paul Boyle in a bar on Arranmore island.

Boyle killed the 19-year-old in October 2009 by smashing a glass over his head in a bar on the island.

An inquest into Paul Boyle’s death heard how other people tried desperately to save the young man’s life after he was set upon in an unprovoked attack. Stephen Boyle subsequently pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was jailed.

He returned to the island a few days after being released from prison, but left a short time later. However, Boyle arrived back on the island on the last ferry on Thursday night, driving a silver 5 series BMW car with personalised plates.

Anger grew among locals on the island, which has a population of just 500, after he returned.

One islander, who asked not to be named said: “This situation has divided the island. Some people think he should be allowed come back but most people think he has a brass neck.

“A lot of people are on edge here because his victim’s family obviously still live here and he will come face-to -face with them all the time.

“There’s only one road on the island and they will meet. There are obvious tensions and people are afraid that something could happen. It’s a very awkward situation.”

Island spokesman Jerry Early declined to comment.

There is no regular Garda presence on the island and the last time gardaí were on the island was last summer.

However, two uniformed gardaí in a patrol van arrived on the 5pm ferry on Saturday evening.

It is understood Boyle also left the island at this time.

READ NEXT: Depression has been my greatest teacher

Read more of today’s news here