Police arrest one of two fugitive siblings

A VIOLENT prisoner who went on the run for more than a month after being granted compassionate bail has been arrested.

James Valliday had been unlawfully at large from Maghaberry Prison since November 9.

He was detained in the early hours of yesterday after police swooped on an address in north Belfast.

His brother Charles remains at large.

The pair are awaiting trial for crimes linked to the murder of 31-year-old Christopher Mackin in College Square North in Belfast in March 2012.

A court had granted them

James Valliday, who is back in custody, and (right) Charles Valliday

temporary release on compassionate bail to attend a relative’s funeral in the west of the city.

However, they failed to return.

Detective Inspector Darren McCartney said James Valliday

had been arrested by detectives from Serious Crime Branch in conjunction with colleagues from the PSNI’s armed support unit and district policing.

The arrest took place at 5am yesterday.

A 29-year-old woman was also held on suspicion of assisting an offender.

DI McCartney appealed for information on the whereabouts of Charles Valliday (45).

He added: “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.”