Killer jailed again after failing to return to prison

A convicted murderer who failed to return to prison has been given a further 14 months in jail.

David McDermott was arrested on board a ferry at Holyhead port in Wales on 6 December 2022, having been found to be "unlawfully at large".

The 44-year-old was subjected to special licencing conditions having been released from prison in 2010.

He was previously convicted of murdering Andrew Miller at a bar in Bonhill, Dunbartonshire, in 1998.

McDermott and co-accused James "Jazzer" Cunningham fractured Mr Miller's skull with the blunt end of a machete.

The victim was also shot at and fatally stabbed as he tried to get away.

Mr Miller was left for dead by the pair on a floor of glass.

Prosecutor Jeremy O'Neill said: "McDermott was deemed unlawfully at large after failing to return to prison after being requested.

"On 6 December 2022, he was traced as a foot passenger at Holyhead ferry port."

Bob Mitchell, defending, told the court that the self-employed carpet fitter had not offended since his release from prison.

He stated that his client had previously faced a year and a day on remand for another matter he was not convicted for.

Mr Mitchell added: "He feared what happened to him before would happen to him again.

"He had a one-year-old child and a partner suffering from post-natal depression - the timing was extremely unfortunate.

"When he was arrested, he was still using his own name and passport...he knew he would return to custody."

Mr Mitchell stated that the matter he was recalled for in relation to a former employee also did not come to fruition.

McDermott pled guilty today to a charge of being unlawfully at large by failing to return to prison.

Sheriff Joan Kerr stated: "You know you must comply given your background and in my view only prison is appropriate."