Courts / Waterford / Report

Wanted UK murderer was "at large" in Waterford

Date
2016-10-12

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

Robert Donovan, 57, a London-born convicted murderer, was arrested in Waterford on a European Arrest Warrant issued by UK authorities in November 2014. He had been serving a life sentence for the 1974 murder of Mr. Thornley on a London bridge, a case tried at Bow Street Magistrates Court. Donovan had been temporarily released from prison on 19 June 2010 with a duty to return by 19:30, but he failed to do so and was believed to be residing in Waterford. The warrant details that on 14 May 1974, Donovan, his brother and a friend were out early in the morning when they met Thornley, who invited them for a drink. Donovan then used a flick‑knife to stab Thornley in the throat, killing him, and stole his watch and golden bracelet. Gardaí arrested him in Waterford and he was taken to the High Court where extradition proceedings are ongoing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Wanted UK murderer was "at large" in Waterford. Charges or matters: murder. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

May 1974 Incident
June 19, 2010 Incident
May 14, 1974 Incident
2016-10-12 Publication

Case subjects

Robert Donovan

Applicant

Charges: murder (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: He had been serving a life sentence in the UK imposed at Bow Street Magistrates Court for the murder of a man on a London bridge in May 1974.