GARDAI have arrested a professional burglar who was on the run from cops in the UK.
The Irish Sun can reveal Daniel Harty, 34, was arrested in the Trim area of Co Meath earlier today.
Daniel Harty, 34, was arrested in the Trim area of Co Meath[/caption]
Jason MacDonagh also escaped from HMP Springhill[/caption]
Barney Casey was part of the burglary gang[/caption]
He has been on the run since June 26 after escaping from the Springhill Open Prison, Buckinghamshire, on June 23.
Harty is regarded as one of the UK’s most notorious burglars.
One source said: “This is a great result and shows the importance of international cooperation.
“He somehow managed to make it back to Ireland but is now facing a longer sentence.”
Two other fugitives – who were part of the same “sophisticated” burglary gang – remain at large.
Jason MacDonagh, 34 and Barney Casey, 24, also escaped from HMP Springhill.
All three were serving sentences for their roles in a crime spree in which they stole £300,000 worth of jewellery and cash from homes across the UK in 2023.
Harty received a 12-year sentence for his role in the burglaries.
He has now been remanded in custody and faces a special court sitting as authorities in the UK apply to extradite him.
Following his escape, cops in the UK also confirmed that he had connections to Ireland.
CRIMEWAVE
During their crimewave, the trio targeted 54 homes and were caught in CCTV ransacking homes.
Their spree came to an end after cops connected a car, owned by MacDonagh, and phone records to the burglaries.
A fourth member of the gang, Darren O’Halloran, 38 and of no fixed abode, was also arrested and jailed in connection with the robberies.
The escaped lags are known to frequent Bristol, West Midlands, Leicestershire, Leeds, Bradford, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.
DO NOT APPROACH
The Irish Sun previously reported how cops had warned the public not to approach the group but to report sightings or any information that could lead to their recapture to them.
Police staff investigator Claire Busby said: “We are appealing to the public for any information around MacDonagh, Casey and Harty’s whereabouts, or anyone who may see them to get in touch.
“We would advise members of the public not to approach them, but call 999 instead.
“If you have any information as to where they may be, you can call 101 or make a report online, quoting 43250312586.
“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.”
