Escaped danger men back behind bars

Two “extremely dangerous” men on the run after a courthouse breakout were back behind bars today.

Self-confessed murderer David Taggart, 22, from Belfast, was arrested following a police operation at a house in the Ormeau area of the city yesterday.

Taggart had been on the loose since he escaped from Downpatrick Court, Co Down, on Thursday with Ian Carlin, 31, from Ardglass. Carlin was later captured in the Colin Glen Road area of west Belfast.

A 32-year-old woman was also arrested at the scene.

As the massive manhunt ended, Down District Commander Chief Supt Robert Robinson said: “I am pleased that both these men are back in police custody.”

The pair had forced their way out of the building and hijacked a Volkswagen Polo, pulling a woman and her baby from the car.

Earlier today a third man allegedly involved in the plot appeared back in the dock.

Colin O’Brien, 31, was charged with three offences, including escaping lawful custody and causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer.

O’Brien, whose address was given care of Maghaberry Prison, had been in the court when the escape occurred.

Taggart was due to appear at the court on motoring offences. He was awaiting sentencing for the murder of retired Ulster Museum curator Lawrence Flanagan in April 2001, having already admitted the killing.

Carlin was facing charges of robbery, assault and unlawful imprisonment. Both men were described as extremely dangerous by police who had launched a massive manhunt.

Detectives believe O’Brien, who faced similar charges to Carlin, was prevented from escaping when they fled.

He denied assaulting the police officer and trying to escape when he appeared before magistrates in Newtownards, Co Down.

He was remanded in custody to appear again at Downpatrick Court, via video link from jail, on May 15.