Five men are currently unlawfully at large in Northern Ireland, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has confirmed.
Being unlawfully at large occurs when a person who is serving a term of imprisonment escapes lawful custody and is "at large" - or free - in the community.
There are a number of different situations where an adult offender can be considered to be unlawfully at large.
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These include:
- When a prisoner escapes from lawful custody - this includes an escape from an open prison.
- When a defendant has been released on bail but fails, without reasonable cause, to surrender to custody.
- When a prisoner is temporarily released on license and fails to return without reasonable excuse.
- Offenders who have been released on license and have been recalled but have absconded.
- Offenders who are released early from the custodial part of their sentence on home detention curfew but are recalled and subsequently abscond.
Currently, there are five people who are unlawfully at large in Northern Ireland on the Department for Justice's database.
Elijah Martin Gavin
Unlawfully at large since 13 April 2022
Age at the time: 26
Prison: HMP Magilligan
Offence: Using a motor vehicle without insurance, excess speed, fraud by false representation, no driving licence, burglary (non dwelling), criminal damage, burglary with intent to steal, grievous bodily harm, possession of a class B controlled drug, burglary with intent to steal.
Description: Height 1.77m, medium build
Eye colour: Green
Hair colour: Brown
Distinguishing marks: Arm - Lower Left - Tattoo - baby Johny, Shoulder - Right - Tattoo - snake on the back, Chest - Tattoo - a cross, Arm - Lower Right - Tattoo – pearl
Patrick McCarthy
Unlawfully at large since August 20, 2020
Age at the time: 40
Prison: HMP Magilligan
Offence: Burglary; going equipped for burglary; attempted burglary; theft; going equipped for theft; attempted theft; assault; possession of an offensive weapon; assault; criminal damage; dangerous driving
Description: Height: 5ft 6ins. Build: stocky complexion: ruddy
Eye colour: Blue
Hair colour: Dark Brown
Distinguishing marks: Arm Upper Left Tattoo - Gun
Arm Lower Right Tattoo - Cross
Thomas O'Brien
Unlawfully at large since July 16, 2012.
Age at the time: 33
Prison: HMP Magilligan
Offence: Causing death by dangerous driving
Description: Height 5ft 4ins, Medium Build, Fresh Complexion
Eye colour: Blue
Hair colour: Dirty fair
Distinguishing marks: Arm - Upper Left - Tattoo - 2 Scrolls Father & Mother, Arm Upper Right - Tattoo - Girls head, Arm - Lower Right - Tattoo - Cow Girl
Frank Shanley
Unlawfully at large since May 17, 2006.
Age at the time: 30
Prison: HMP Maghaberry
Offence: Theft
Description: 5'10", medium build
Eye colour: Blue
Hair colour: Fair hair
Brendan McGuinness
Unlawfully at large since May 2, 2002.
Age at the time: 19
Prison: HMP Hydebank Wood
Offence: Drug offences
Description: 5ft 10ins, light build
Eye colour: Brown
Hair colour: Fair hair
If you see anyone matching any of the descriptions below please call your nearest police station or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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