Appeal over on-the-run murderer

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Police appealed for help alongside Jim's widow Ida McFadden

The police have appealed to the public to help them locate James Meehan, who was convicted of the murder of James McFadden in Londonderry on Wednesday.

Superintendent Frankie Taylor said a warrant was issued for the arrest of Mr Meehan when he failed to turn up for court on Tuesday.

"Enquiries so far lead us to believe that Mr Meehan may be using a Renault Laguna registration BNZ 4025," he said.

"We also have a confirmed sighting of him in Limavady on Monday."

Meehan is originally from County Meath but has lived in Derry for the last 12 years and police said he would be well known around the city.

Supt Taylor said they are working closely with colleagues in the Irish police to locate this man if he has gone into the Republic.

"We would appeal to any member of the public or Mr Meehan himself to come forward to the police on either side of the border."

Supt Taylor said they had no reason to believe Meehan would disappear.

James Meehan failed to turn up for the last days of his trial

"He had been on bail for 12-months, and during that time has never breached his bail conditions."

"He appeared at court every day for his trial and it was only on Tuesday that he failed to appear and that is when our concerns were raised," he added

"We have a number of lines of inquiries and are continuing with our efforts to find him."

Supt Taylor also advised members of the public not to approach Meehan but to contact the police.

Ida McFadden said James Meehan was her family's main fear throughout the ordeal.

"It is very difficult for the four children as they are scared that he might come back.

"He should come forward and hand himself in so we can get peace of mind," she added.

On Wednesday two men and a woman were found guilty of murdering Jim McFadden.

Brenda Meehan and her son Sean Devenney were in court to hear the verdict, but James Meehan skipped bail.

Mr McFadden, died from a ruptured heart after being attacked outside his Moyolla Drive home in Derry after he, his wife and children had attended the same wedding reception as the Meehans and Sean Devenney in County Donegal.

SDLP Foyle MLA, Mary Bradley, has appealed for people to be vigilant and cooperate with the police.