Downey remanded over links to UDR murders

A PENSIONER was remanded in custody yesterday in connection with the murders of two UDR soldiers.

John Downey, 66, was detained by gardai on Monday under a European Arrest Warrant as part of an operation with the PSNI. The Donegal man appeared before the High Court in Dublin as Northern Ireland prosecutors seek to extradite him.

They claim there is sufficient evidence to prosecute him for the murders of Alfred Johnston, 32, and 33-year-old James

Eames. They died in an IRA car bomb in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, in 1972.

Det Sgt Jim Kirwin told the court he asked Downey his name and told him he was the subject of a EAW.

Downey responded it was the “DUP and not the DPP” who was pursuing the matter.

Detective Kirwin confirmed the suspect’s passport has been surrendered and told a prosecutor he had “fully” co-operated with them. Defence barrister Garnet Orange confirmed his client is contesting the application and is “anxious to get bail”.

He added Downey has a heart monitor fitted and asked the judge to consider an early bail application.

Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly said she was satisfied Downey is the person to whom the warrant related and remanded him in custody. His extradition hearing will be heard on November 23.

Downey stood trial for the murders of four soldiers in London’s Hyde Park in 1982 but it collapsed after it was revealed he had a letter from former prime minister Tony Blair’s government that he was not actively wanted.

Outside court Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty said: “This arrest was wrong.”