Alert as murderer who killed man after wedding in Donegal is at large - again

A man convicted of murdering another man following a wedding reception in Donegal in 2007 has absconded from prison.

James Meehan, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of James McFadden.

On Friday evening, the PSNI issued an appeal to locate the 55-year-old Meehan, who failed to return to HM Prison Magilligan having been on day release last Monday.

It is the second time that Meehan has been unlawfully at large.

“Police are appealing to anyone who has seen him, or who knows of his whereabouts, not to approach him directly but to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1251 09/12/24,” said a spokesperson.

"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100pc anonymous.

"Police would also appeal directly to James to hand himself in.”

In 2022, Meehan crossed the border into Donegal while on a temporary release to attend his brother’s birthday party. He was on the run for 14 months before being extradited and returned to prison in late 2023.

Meehan was given a nine-month sentence having been convicted of being unlawfully at large.

In 20098, Meehan, originally from Kells in Co Meath, was convicted of the murder of father-of-four James McFadden in an attack that took place at his home in Moyola Drive in Derry after the wedding reception of Mr McFadden’s sister at the Redcastle Hotel.

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The victim, who was aged 42, was repeatedly punched in the chest and died from a ruptured heart.