RTÉ News has learned that John Gallagher saw an English forensic psychiatrist who was independent of the Central Mental Hospital, the day before he absconded. He also took all his personal possessions with him including, it is understood, a photograph of the two women, Anne and Annie Gillespie, he killed in Sligo General Hospital twelve years ago. This evening, a spokesperson for the Central Mental Hospital said that Jon Gallagher had photographs of the two women when he was first admitted, but that staff had not seen them since he moved into the hostel on the grounds.
Some relatives of Anne and Annie Gillespie have said that they are disappointed with the way the authorities have treated them following his disappearance. Seamus Crumlish, a brother-in-law of Anne Gillespie, said that he and his family learned of Gallagher's disappearance on RTÉ news yesterday evening, at least 24 hours after he failed to return to the Central Mental Hospital. Mr Crumlish said that family members are fearful for their own safety. Not knowing John Gallagher’s whereabouts has worried them and they are concerned that he may be near Donegal. The Medical Director of the Central Mental Hospital said that it would be wise for the double killer to return to the institution. Dr Charles Smith said that he believes Gallagher is no longer suffering from mental illness and does not constitute a danger to the public.
For the second day, Gardaí are searching for 34-year-old John Gallagher. He has been detained at the hospital since 1989 for the shooting of Anne and Annie Gillespie. He was found guilty, but insane, of the killings. He has been allowed out to work for the last two years and had been given increasing levels of freedom, including permission to own a motorbike, in preparation for his eventual discharge. Gardaí said that ports are on alert and a widespread search is being carried out. They have issued a description of the motorbike which John Gallagher used to abscond. It is a Yamaha 125 SR, registration number 00 WW 4750. He was last seen wearing black motorcycle leathers, possibly over a pair of jeans.
