Man remanded over Derek Brockwell escape from hospital

A man charged in connection with the escape of prisoner Derek Brockwell from Tallaght Hospital last February was granted bail on Friday by Tallaght District Court.

As part of his bail conditions James Donoghue must sign on twice a week at Ashbourne Garda station.

Mr Donoghue (58), St Oliver’s Park, Ratoath, is charged with aiding and abetting the escape of Brockwell from custody at the N81 on February 17th, 2015, contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Law Act, 1976.

Det Garda Aine Bolton told judge Patricia McNamara she arrested Mr Donoghue at his home in Co Meath on Friday morning.

Det Garda Bolton requested bail with conditions; that Mr Donoghue reside at his home, that he sign on twice a week and that he surrender his passport.

She said the DPP had directed trial and had consented to him being sent forward on a signed plea.

The judge remanded Mr Donoghue on bail until February 19th when the book of evidence will be served.

A second man (32) also arrested in connection with the escape was appeared before Navan Distruct Court on Friday.

In February 2015, Derek Brockwell, a 53-year-old armed robber from Glasgow, stabbed two prison officers in Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, before escaping from the authorities.

Brockwell was later recaptured outside a pub in Belfast.