Courts / Armagh / Report

66-year-old wanted for 1979 murder of UDR member to be extradited to NI

Summary

A 66-year-old man from Arva, County Cavan, has been ordered by the High Court to be extradited to Northern Ireland to face murder charges. James Donegan is wanted in connection with the death of Joseph James Porter, a part-time Ulster Defence Regiment member, at Mountnorris, County Armagh, between June 22 and 25, 1979. Mr Porter's body was discovered near his farm entrance on June 24, 1979, with a post-mortem examination revealing fatal gunshot wounds. Mr Donegan is also charged with firearms offences and membership of a proscribed organisation. He was arrested at Dublin Airport in June 2024. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath rejected arguments from Mr Donegan's legal team regarding abuse of process and the fairness of trial proceedings following the significant passage of time. The judge found no evidence suggesting he would not receive fair treatment in the prosecuting jurisdiction. The court adjourned proceedings to February 7 pending surrender.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 66-year-old wanted for 1979 murder of UDR member to be extradited to NI. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• June 22 Incident
• June 24, 1979 Other
• Friday, February 7 Adjournment
• 2025-01-31 Publication

Why: An explanation had been given for the circumstances where many years after the event the respondent's surrender came to be sought, he said, adding there is no evidence of any bad faith or improper "motive". CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Supreme Court won't hear challenge to extradition over 1979 IRA murder allegation
• Man wanted for 1979 UDR murder has extradition stayed
• 'I'm an innocent man': 66-year-old wanted in NI for 1979 murder of UDR member appears before High Court

Read the original CNI report