Man on burglary charge went on run for seven years, court told

AN alleged serial burglar who vanished after being let out of prison for a niece’s funeral sevenyearsagodecidedtostaywith his “devastated” family, the High Court has heard.

Edward McDonagh (44) failed to return to custody following temporary compassionate release while charged with a two- day crime spree in July 2010. He was only returned to Northern Ireland last week on a European Arrest Warrant after serving a separate sentence in the Irish Republic.

McDonagh, of Townlui Manor in Drogheda, Co Louth, denies 29 charges connected to a spate of offences across parts of Armagh and Tyrone.

They include six counts each of burglary and theft, interfer- ence with vehicles, handling stolen goods and nine charges of criminal damage.

Prosecutors said the alleged offences included breaking into a farm shed with a sledgehammer and raiding other properties after ramming through electric gates.

While previously remanded in custody on those charges, McDonagh was granted day-release from prison for his niece’s funeral in August 2010. But the court heard he never returned, leading to the seizure of a £6,500 cash surety put up by a relative.

Opposing his latest application for full bail, Crown lawyer Natalie Pinkerton claimed he could abscond again.

Richard McConkey, defending, accepted McDonagh had previously “let the court down”.

But the barrister argued that the sudden death of his client’s niece and other personal circumstances should be taken into account. “He felt that because the familyweresodevastatedbythe loss he would remain there,” Mr McConkey submitted.

Refusing bail, however, Mr Justice Maguire said the application was “coloured irredeemably” by his behaviour in 2010.

The judge added: “Having grossly abused the facility of bail before, he’s not a fit person for granting bail.”