Gary Anderson: On-the-run killer appears in Donegal court

An on-the-run killer who absconded after being permitted to attend his father's funeral in Northern Ireland 10 days ago has appeared in court in the Republic of Ireland, where he was arrested on Wednesday.

Gary Anderson, 29, appeared at a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court on Thursday following his arrest at a campsite near Buncrana, by An Garda Síochána (Irish police).

He had been serving life in prison for the murder of Karol Kelly in Londonderry in 2018.

The court was told Anderson is charged with being present at Fahan Marina caravan and campsite on 23 September, having escaped from Maghaberry Prison, contrary to Section 3(1) of the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act 1976.

Garda Det Jason Conroy gave details of the arrest, charge and caution during the hearing on Thursday.

The detective said Anderson was arrested at about 13:44 local time on Wednesday at Fahan Marina campsite and was told why he was being arrested but made no reply.

At 20:47, he was charged, handed a copy of the charge sheet and again made no reply, the court was told.

Garda Sgt Jim Collins told the court that there had been no application for bail from Anderson's legal representatives at that time.

Collins said he was seeking directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the case and was seeking to have the accused remanded in custody.

He applied to Judge Emile Daly for an adjournment in the case to allow for these directions.

Judge Daly adjourned the case for Anderson to appear by videolink at Letterkenny District Court later this month.

His solicitor said that while he understood Judge Daly could not direct that Anderson be held in a prison other than Castlerea Prison in County Roscommon, he asked the judge to recommend another prison because of what he termed "other parties involved".

On Thursday Karol Kelly's sister Francesca confirmed that she met the Justice Minister Naomi Long to discuss the matter.