A suspected republican paramilitary accused of murdering an RUC man nearly 30 years ago has been deported from the United States to the Republic, it emerged today.
Maze Prison escapee John Edward McNicholl (51) was put on a plane after losing a six-year battle with US authorities.
It is understood he was flown into Shannon Airport last Friday in an attempt to avoid being re-arrested by police in the North.
"Once he knew he was being deported he could choose where he wanted to go," a security source said.
McNicholl fled to America following a dramatic jail breakout months after being arrested for the killing of RUC Constable Robert McPherson during an ambush in Dungiven, Co Derry in July 1975.
US officials also accused him of having been a member of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA). After his final appeal against being sent back was rejected, he was put on a plane on Friday.
Police chiefs in Belfast are considering whether to re-examine the case or to seek help from the Garda if they decide to pursue McNicholl.
But republican sources said he would remain in the Republic until he gets assurances that he qualifies for early release available to all paramilitary prisoners whose crimes were committed before the Belfast Agreement.
"Eddie will be lying low until we see what his position is and make sure he only has to do two years," one associate said.
McNicholl, from the Dungiven area, allegedly shot dead Mr McPherson, a 25-year-old from Leck near Coleraine, Co Derry, and wounded another officer during a shoot-out.
McNicholl was captured in February 1976 with other men by police searching a farmhouse for weapons in Dungiven. Three months later, McNicholl and seven other men tunnelled out of the now-closed Maze Prison near Lisburn, Co Antrim.
He had been appealing against a deportation order from the US since 1997, saying he was jailed for a crime he did not commit.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokeswoman later confirmed detectiveshave monitored McNicholl's deportation and may reopen the case.
Unlike an extradition, the authorities do not have any powers to demand hisarrest.
But the spokeswoman said: "Police are aware of a 51-year-old man who wasdeported from the US and arrived in Dublin at the weekend.
"Police will be reviewing the case in light of this development."
PA