McFadden murderer back in court

James Meehan attended Strand Road police station with his solicitor

A murderer who absconded from his trial has appeared in court after he handed himself into police.

James Meehan, who spent five days on the run, was handcuffed to two police officers in court.

He had failed to turn up for the final days of his trial and in his absence was convicted, along with his wife and stepson, of murdering James McFadden.

Mr McFadden was beaten to death outside his home in Moyolla Drive, Londonderry, just over two years ago.

On Wednesday Meehan, 41, his wife Brenda, 42, and her son, Sean Devenney, 22, all from Dundrean Park in Galliagh, were found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Mr McFadden.

Police said he had voluntarily attended Strand Road police station on Saturday with his solicitor.

He has been remanded in custody.

Mr McFadden, a father-of-four, died from a ruptured heart following the attack outside his home.

He, his wife and children had earlier attended the same wedding reception as the Meehans and Sean Devenney in Redcastle, County Donegal.