Bail skip murderer 'could be in Ireland'

A murderer who skipped bail in the North before his guilty verdict was delivered may be hiding in the Republic, police said today.

James Meehan went on the run on Tuesday, a day before he, his wife and her son were found guilty of murdering Derry man James McFadden outside his home two years ago.

Leaving Brenda Meehan and Sean Devenney to face up to life behind bars, Meehan has continued to evade police since.

Officers believe he could be sheltering across the border in his home county of Meath.

Superintendent Frankie Taylor, who is leading the search, today made a public appeal for information, releasing further details of the fugitive and a photograph.

“Inquiries so far lead us to believe that Mr Meehan may be using a Renault Laguna registration BNZ 4025,” he said.

“We also believe he spent some time in Limavady last weekend.

“He is originally from Co Meath but has lived in Derry for the last 12 years and would be well known around the city.

“We are working closely with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána to locate this man if he has indeed gone into the Republic.

“The PSNI has taken all feasible steps to date to locate this individual.”

Mr McFadden died after being attacked outside his Moyolla Drive home after he, his wife and children had attended a wedding reception in Co Donegal at which the Meehans and Sean Devenney were also guests.

In the wake of the guilty verdict, his widow Ita appealed for help finding the killer.

“He is pure evil,” she said. “He’s out there and someone must know where he is.”

Mr Taylor warned the public not to approach Meehan.

“There is still a legal case ongoing in relation to this man, who has been convicted of the murder of Jim McFadden along with two others,” he added.

“Bearing these facts in mind, it is the police’s view that members of the public should not approach this man. If they see him, they should call police immediately.”