Sex offender extradited back to Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland so he can be jailed for breaching licence

By Adam Kula
Published 27th Dec 2023, 18:37 BST
Updated 28th Dec 2023, 15:57 BST
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A 57-year-old man has been returned to Northern Ireland today so he can be put back in prison for breaching his licence.

Officers from the PSNI International Policing Unit extradited John Joseph McDonagh from the Republic of Ireland, where he had been arrested on October 19, 2022.

It has taken until now for extradition proceedings to run their course.

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He had been on license from prison in Northern Ireland after being convicted of an attempted rape in Belfast in February 2018, but that license was revoked.

A map of Northern Ireland and parts of the RepublicA map of Northern Ireland and parts of the Republic
A map of Northern Ireland and parts of the Republic

It is understood he will not face any charges for absconding, but will now be jailed until his licence period expires.

The PSNI issued a statement which read: “This demonstrates our continued and effective working with An Garda Síochána to track down wanted persons and bring offenders to justice.

"It is important that offenders released from prison on licence comply with the terms of their licence.

"Should offenders breach the terms of the licence and leave the jurisdiction, the PSNI will take all possible actions to have them arrested and returned to prison in Northern Ireland.”