Northern Ireland

Fugitive James Valliday arrested in raid

James Valliday, left, was arrested on Sunday. His brother Charles, right, remains unlawfully at large
James Valliday, left, was arrested on Sunday. His brother Charles, right, remains unlawfully at large James Valliday, left, was arrested on Sunday. His brother Charles, right, remains unlawfully at large

AN ON-THE-RUN prisoner with a history of violence has been arrested.

James Valliday (52) had been unlawfully at large from Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim since November 9.

He was detained on Sunday morning after police swooped at an address in north Belfast.

Valliday was in prison on remand awaiting trial. He and his brother Charles Valliday (45) failed to return to custody after a court granted them temporary release on compassionate bail to attend a relative's funeral in west Belfast.

Detective Inspector Darren McCartney said a 29-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. She remains in custody.

A statement said: "We would continue to appeal for information regarding the whereabouts of a second remand prisoner, 45-year-old Charles Valliday, who also failed to return to Maghaberry Prison on the same date.

"Charles is described as 5ft 9ins in height, of stocky build, with short, brown hair, protruding ears and green eyes. He has a tattoo on his left arm - a bulldog, panther and snake - and a fish tattoo on his right arm.

"I would appeal to Charles Valliday to hand himself in without further delay. As he has a history of violence, I would urge the public not to approach him.

"Anyone who knows of his current whereabouts or who has any information should contact police immediately on 999."