Killer fails to return from leave

John William Fulton is unlawfully at large

A 24-year-old man jailed in 2006 for manslaughter has failed to return to prison following Christmas leave.

John William Fulton was due to return to Magilligan Prison on Friday.

Fulton, originally from the Shore Road in north Belfast, was sentenced to six years for his part in the killing of Belfast man Thomas Venus in 2004.

The Prison Service granted Christmas leave to 72 inmates, 55 from Magilligan 12 from Maghaberry and five from the Hydebank young offenders centre.

All the prisoners were due back on 2 January.

Four men chased Mr Venus from the Alexandra Bar on the York Road on April 25, 2004 after a row. Fulton and another man then attacked, punched and kicked him as he lay on the road. They admitted manslaughter, the other two admitted affray.