Macarthur sent to open prison for assessment

One of the State's longest-serving prisoners, murderer Malcolm Macarthur, was yesterday transferred to Shelton Abbey open prison where his suitability for release will be assessed.

The Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform last night confirmed Macarthur had yesterday been transferred from St Patrick's training unit in Mountjoy, Dublin.

Macarthur has been behind bars for more than 20 years. However, depending on his progress at Shelton Abbey, Co Wicklow, he may be free in 12 months, when his case is due to be assessed again.

Yesterday's transfer followed a report from the Parole Board to the Department of Justice last August which recommended Macarthur be transferred to a minimum security facility in preparation for his possible release.

The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, served as a junior counsel for the defence in macarthur's trial. As a result he asked his Junior Minister, Mr Willie O'Dea, to consider the transfer.

Following a sensational chain of events in July 1982, Macarthur was convicted of murdering Bridie Gargan.

The nurse was bludgeoned to death in a random attack while she was sunbathing in the Phoenix Park. It is understood the only motive for the killing was Macarthur's wish to steal her car.

Three days later he is believed to have murdered a farmer, Donal Dunne, in Co Offaly. It is understood he rang Mr Dunne at his home in Tullamore claiming to be interested in buying a gun the farmer had advertised in a newspaper.

When Mr Dunne handed Macarthur the gun to examine it, Macarthur shot him dead. He then stole his car and drove it back to Dublin.

However, for reasons never fully explained, he was never convicted of that murder. Little about Ms Gargan's murder is known because Macarthur pleaded guilty and evidence was never heard.

The murders shocked the nation and Macarthur, a well-known socialite, was eventually arrested in the Dalkey apartment of the then attorney general, Mr Patrick Connolly.

Mr Connolly had invited Macarthur to stay at the apartment while he went on holidays. He was unaware his guest was the subject of a major Garda manhunt.

Mr Connolly went on holiday to the US the day after the arrest. He was recalled by the then Taoiseach, Mr Haughey, and eventually resigned over the incident.