Escaped from Loughan House

A Donegal man who escaped from Loughan House but was later recaptured was sentenced to three months for his endeavours at Ballyconnell District Court. Cathal Dunleavy, Meentagh, Glenvar, Donegal, pleaded guilty to a charge of escaping from the prison on February 24, 2009. Also Tania Kelly, Gortlush, Newtowncunningham, Donegal, was ordered to donate €500 to the Ballyconnell Town Development fund for taking part in arrangements to enable another person to escape from lawful custody. Superintendent Brian Brunton told the court that Dunleavy left the education building and was picked up by some colleagues in a car outside. He was out for five days before he was recaptured. Patsy Gallagher, solicitor defending, said his client was trying to turn his life around. As a result of this escapade, the defendant would not be released from his sentence until October 1 of this year. With regard to Ms. Kelly, the superintendent said she only played a minor role in the whole incident and was under the influence of an unsavoury character in the matter. Ms. Kelly hoped to do a child care programme and go to England initially and then to America. The judge ruled as stated. "I will give her a chance as she will require a clean slate as she is going to England and then the States," he said.