Man charged with helping prisoner escape from hospital

A man charged in connection with the escape of prisoner Derek Brockwell from Tallaght Hospital last February was granted bail with conditions by Tallaght Court.

As part of his bail, James Donoghue must sign on two days a week at Ashbourne Garda Station and surrender his passport.

Mr Donoghue, aged 58, of St Oliver’s Park, Ratoath, is charged with aiding and abetting the escape of Derek Brockwell from lawful custody at Tallaght Hospital on February 17, 2015, contrary to section 6 of the Criminal Law Act, 1976.

Detective Garda Áine Bolton told Judge Patricia McNamara that she arrested Mr Donoghue at his address in Meath yesterday morning. She said he was conveyed to Rathfarnham Garda Station where he was charged at 10.59am by Sgt Sean Collins.

Barry Murphy, defending Mr Donoghue, said his client would comply with the bail conditions.

Judge McNamara released Mr Donoghue on bail with the above conditions and remanded him to February 19 for service of his book of evidence.