Northern Ireland

Tyrone man facing extradition over David Black murder to learn decision next month

Damien McLaughlin leaves court in Belfast following a previous hearing
Damien McLaughlin leaves court in Belfast following a previous hearing Damien McLaughlin leaves court in Belfast following a previous hearing

A Co Tyrone man is expected to hear next month whether he will be extradited from the Republic in connection with the dissident republican murder of prison officer David Black.

Damien McLaughlin (41), of Kilmascally Road near Ardboe, absconded from his bail address in west Belfast last November and went on the run.

He was due to stand trial in February this year charged with aiding and abetting the murder of Mr Black in November 2012.

He has also been accused of belonging to a proscribed organisation and possessing an article, namely a Toyota Camry car, in preparation of acts of terrorism.

During a review of the case at Belfast Crown Court today, a prosecution lawyer told Mr Justice Colton: "The accused is facing extradition from Dublin to Northern Ireland.

"The matter was heard by Judge (Aileen) Donnelly. We understand the proceedings took place in Dublin on July 26 2017 and she will deliver her ruling on October 20 this year.''

Mr Justice Colton agreed to adjourn the case, which will be reviewed on October 27 following the Dublin hearing.

It emerged last December that McLaughlin had not been seen by police for weeks and was no longer living at his bail address in west Belfast.

His disappearance sparked angry criticism from unionists and Mr Black's family, who said they "felt let down and hurt by the justice system''.

Chief Constable George Hamilton told the Policing Board that bail checks were not carried out due to a broken buzzer at his block of flats and a combination of computer issues and human error.

The Police Ombudsman began an investigation to establish whether there were any failings in police conduct or systems in the management of Mr McLaughlin's bail conditions.

Following a cross-border hunt, McLaughlin was eventually arrested on March 2 on foot of a European Arrest Warrant issued by the PSNI.

He was detained by an armed Garda response unit while walking along a street in Ramelton, Co Donegal, en route to Letterkenny.