21/05/2009

Dublin Arrest On Soldier Murder Warrant

An arrest has been made in the case of a murdered British army sergeant 17 years ago in England.

An Armagh-born man, Declan Duffy, 34, who has been living in Dublin, is wanted in the UK on a charge of murdering the recruitment officer. Mr Duffy has today appeared before the Dublin High Court on foot of an extradition warrant.

He comes originally from Armagh but now has an address at Hanover Street West in Dublin.

He was arrested this morning and when asked if he knew what it was in relation to he replied, "yes I know what it's about".

It is alleged by the UK authorities that he murdered 34-year-old father of one, army sergeant Michael Newman who was shot in the head outside an Army Careers Office in Derby in England in 1992.

The court was told that a bail application would be made as he was remanded in custody until 27 May by Mr Justice Michael Peart.

In July 2004, Joseph Magee, 38, also of Armagh, admitted killing Sergeant Newman, who was shot in the head at point-blank range.

The Army recruitment officer was leaving work when he was gunned down as he walked to his car.

Magee, a member of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), was "waging a war" when he shot Sgt Newman, the court heard.

The British authorities has now applied for the extradition of Mr Duffy, who is alleged to be a leading 'dissident' republican, for questioning about the same murder.

(BMcC/JM)

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