A MAN who was in the custody of police before did a runner from Derry’s courthouse compound is still unlawfully at large.
Police say they are still trying to locate Dean Beattie who gave a PSNI custody officer the slip on Wednesday at Bishop Street courthouse
Beattie, 22, had been brought to court under police guard from Strand Road PSNI for a first remand hearing.
He was due appear in the dock of Derry Magistrates’ Court to be charged with a number of serious offences.
But Beattie suddenly broke free from a police officer and climbed over two metal fences – one of them around 10 feet high – in dramatic scenes captured on television.
Then he legged it down Bishop Street and turned into Palace Street and was believed to be heading in the direction of the Bogside.
Police say Beattie remains at large and efforts to locate him are continuing.
An internal investigation has been launched by Derry police commander Supt Mark McEwan into the incident.
The circumstances of his escape are also being investigated by the PSNI’s Service Improvement Department, the police’s ‘internal affairs’ branch.
One question still to be answered is why Beattie was not handcuffed to the police custody officer.
Beattie was due to be charged with armed robbery and possession of an imitation firearm and a kitchen knife.
The charges related to an incident earlier this month at Northland Road when a couple were robbed and the male occupant of a flat was pistol-whipped.
He’s alleged to have stolen their mobile phones, their cash and their Christmas presents.
Anyone who knows of Beattie’s whereabouts is asked to ring Strand Road police station on the 101 number or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.