Man wanted in Northern Ireland over alleged 1979 murder of UDR member appears in High Court – The Irish Times

A 66-year-old man wanted in Northern Ireland over the alleged murder of a part-time UDR member in Co Armagh 45 years ago appeared at the High Court on Monday on an extradition warrant .

The High Court heard that James Donegan, who agreed to meet Gardaí at Dublin Airport as he returned from his holiday, told officers who arrested him: “I am an innocent man.”

Mr Donegan of Bruce Manor, Arva in Co Cavan is wanted by authorities in Northern Ireland for the alleged murder of Joseph James Porter, 64, at Mountnorris in Co Armagh on an unknown date between the 22nd and 25th June 1979.

Mr Donegan is also wanted for a second offense of allegedly possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life as well as membership of a proscribed organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army.

Mr Donegan was arrested by detectives from the Garda Extradition Unit at Dublin Airport on Monday following the approval of a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TaCA) warrant issued by the authorities in Northern Ireland.

The extradition warrant states that Mr Porter's body was found near the entrance to his farm in Creggan Road, Mountnorris in Co Armagh on June 24, 1979. A post mortem carried out that day concluded that Mr. Porter died from gunshot wounds to the head and trunk.

The warrant also states that before his death Mr Porter was a part-time member of the Ulster Defense Regiment (UDR).

Outlining the three charges against Mr Donegan before Justice Patrick McGrath at the High Court on Monday, Detective Sergeant Adrian Murray of the Garda Extradition Unit said the warrant related to the respondent allegedly committing the offenses in June 1979.

Under cross-examination, Det Sgt. Murray agreed with Stephen Faulkner BL that the respondent had been very compliant. “I tried to execute the warrant last week, but he wasn’t home and he agreed to meet me once he got back from vacation,” the detective said.

Judge McGrath said it appeared to be a suitable case for bail.

The Minister of Justice's lawyer told the judge that an independent guarantee of €15,000 had been provided by a third party, who had undertaken not to reduce his bank balance below this amount. Detective Sergeant Murray said he was satisfied with the bail.

The detective agreed with Mr Faulkner that Mr Donegan was due to have heart surgery on July 8.

Mr Donegan was released on bail on the condition that he reside at his place of residence in Garvagh in Co Cavan, sign three times a week at Cavan Garda Station between 9am and 9pm, attend all court hearings, that he provide a mobile phone number to gardaí, which he must carry with him at all times and not request any duplicate passports or travel documents.

Judge McGrath remanded Mr Donegan in custody on bail until July 4.