Prisoner who fled to Donegal seeks return to NI, court hears

Image source, NorthWestNewsPixImage caption, Gary Anderson, pictured at a previous hearing outside a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court, following his arrest in County Donegal in September

A convicted murderer who absconded from prison in Northern Ireland while on compassionate leave and fled to the Republic of Ireland has asked his legal team to arrange his return back across the border, a court has heard.

Gary Anderson, 29, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of Karol Kelly in 2018, fled after being given permission to attend his father's funeral in Londonderry last month.

He was arrested by An Garda Síochána (Irish police service) nine days later at a caravan park in County Donegal.

He appeared via video link at Letterkenny District Court on Monday, charged with being present on 23 September at Fahan Marina Caravan and Campsite having escaped Maghaberry Prison.

Image source, HandoutImage caption, Karol Kelly was stabbed to death in Londonderry in 2018

The charge is contrary to Section 3(1) of the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act 1976.

Gary Anderson's solicitor said his client is seeking consent to return across the border to serve his sentence.

However, during proceedings on Monday, Garda Sgt Maurice Doyle asked for the case to be adjourned until 2 November to allow for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Judge Emile Daly adjourned the case until the requested date.