Limerick man recaptured after escaping Newcastle West court through bathroom window

A man fled Newcastle West District Court via a bathroom window while facing assault charges and evaded gardaí for six hours before being arrested at home.

Fugitive recaptured at home after six-hour manhunt in west Limerick

A man who broke out of garda custody at Newcastle West District Court on Monday was arrested at his home approximately six hours later, RTÉ News reports.

The man, believed to be in his 30s and from Limerick city, had been brought before the court to face an assault charge. While court proceedings were under way — evidence of his arrest, charge and caution had already been heard — it emerged he was no longer present in the courtroom.

He is understood to have asked to use the toilet and escaped through a bathroom window.

Gardaí deployed a helicopter over west Limerick as part of the search operation. Officers subsequently called to the man's home, where he attempted a second escape by jumping from an upstairs window. He was arrested in the garden.

He was taken back into garda custody at around 6pm. Gardaí stated throughout the operation that there was no danger to members of the public.

Source: RTÉ News