An Arva man wanted in connection with the 1979 of a UDR soldier has been arrested on an extradition order. James Donegan of Bruce Manor, Arva is wanted by authorities in Northern Ireland for the murder of 64-year-old Joseph James Porter at Mountnorris in Co Armagh on a date unknown between June 22 and 25, 1979.
When gardaí arrested Donegan at Dublin airport yesterday after he returned from holiday, Donegan told arresting officers "I'm an innocent man". 66-year-old James Donegan agreed to meet gardaí at the airport on his return from holidays yesterday. He is wanted by authorities in Northern Ireland for the murder of the UDR man and also for a second offence of the possession of a firearm and ammunition with the intent to endanger life as well as belonging to a proscribed organisation, namely the Irish Republican Army. He appeared at the High Court yesterday.
Mr Donegan was arrested by detectives from the Garda Extradition Unit at Dublin Airport today following the endorsement of a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TaCA) Warrant issued by the Northern Ireland Authorities. The extradition warrant states that Mr Porter's body was found close to the entrance of his farm at Creggan Road, Mountnorris in Co Armagh on June 24, 1979. A post-mortem examination conducted that day concluded that Mr Porter had died of gunshot wounds to the head and trunk.
Det Sgt Murray told Joanne Williams BL, for the Minister for Justice, that he arrested the respondent at Dublin Airport at 10.40am yesterday morning on foot of the warrant and cautioned him. He said he had met Mr Donegan by way of appointment, introduced himself to the respondent and showed him his ID card. Det. Sgt. Murray said he cautioned Mr Donegan, who replied: "I'm an innocent man". The officer said he asked Mr Donegan whether he knew what the offences were about and he replied: "Yes, I guess so". Mr Donegan is due to undergo heart surgery on July 8 next.
Mr Donegan was granted bail on condition that he reside at his place of residence in Co Cavan, that he sign on three times a week at Cavan Garda Station between 9am and 9pm, attend all court hearings, provide a mobile phone number to gardaí which he must carry at all times and not apply for any duplicate passport or travel documents. The second offence alleges that Mr Donegan had in his possession a firearm and ammunition, namely a Ruger mini 14 rifle, 5.56x45mm calibre cartridges and .30"-06 M2 AP calibre cartridges, on a date unknown between June 22 and 25, 1979. Mr Justice McGrath remanded Mr Donegan on continuing bail until July 4.]
