Convicted killer faces extradition after second alleged prison escape in 3 years

By Finnuala Walsh

A convicted murderer who is alleged to have gone on the run from prison in Northern Ireland for the second time in three years has been granted a hearing date to face extradition proceedings.

A search was launched for James Meehan (55) after he failed to return to Magilligan prison in Derry while being on day release in December 2024.

He was arrested by gardaí earlier this month on foot of extradition warrants issued under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement.

Meehan, who previously had addresses in Derry City and Headfort Grove, Kells, Co Meath, was sentenced in 2009 to life imprisonment – with a minimum of 14 years to be served - for the murder of Derry man Jim McFadden in May 2007.

The High Court previously heard that Meehan was born in Co Louth and raised in neighbouring Co Meath.

Ms Justice Caroline Biggs on Wednesday in the High Court set October 23rd for a hearing. She said that all submissions must be provided by the respondent a week prior to that date.

Counsel representing the State told the court that there were two matters in relation to Meehan and each could be dealt with in around an hour. She said that the case could be heard in one day.

Ms Justice Biggs said that Meehan will be remanded on continued bail until that date.

Meehan was previously extradited to Northern Ireland less than two years ago, after he was described by the Prison Service there as being “unlawfully at large”.

He had argued that the punitive part of his sentence had been served and that he had actually been released from prison “on licence” when he came to live here in 2022.

However, in December 2023, the High Court found there was "clear evidence" that the terms of Meehan's release from prison had been breached and ordered his surrender to Northern Ireland.