A killer has fled a Co Donegal island after the arrival of Gardai following tensions over his return.
Arranmore Island
Stephen Boyle, 44, fled Arranmore Island in April last year after being released from prison just a few days earlier.
He had been jailed for six years in 2012 after being on remand since 2009 for the killing of Paul Boyle in a bar on the island.
Boyle killed 19-year-old Paul in October 2009 by smashing a glass over his head in a bar on the island.
An inquest into Paul’s death heard how other people tried desperately to save the young man’s life after he was set upon in an unprovoked attack.
Stephen Boyle subsequently pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was jailed.
Boyle arrived back on the island on the last ferry on Thursday night driving a silver 5 series BMW motorcar with personalised plates.
The late Paul Boyle
Locals on the island, which has a population of just 500, became agitated at the arrival of the killer.
One islander, who asked not to be named said “This situation has divide the island. Some people think he should be allowed come back but most people think he has a brass neck.
“A lot of people are on edge here because his victim’s family obviously still live here and he will come face to face with them all the time.
“There’s only one road on the island and they will meet. There are obvious tensions and people are afraid that something could happen. It’s a very awkward situation.”
Island spokesman Jerry Early, declined to make a comment on the situation.
Although there is no Garda presence on the island and the last time Gardai were on the island was last summer.
Two uniformed Gardai in an official patrol van, arrived on the 5pm ferry on Saturday evening.
It is understood that killer Boyle also left the island at this time.
The Gardai, having patrolled the island and making their presence known, left again on the 12.30pm ferry yesterday (SUN).
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