Longford murderer repatriated home from Scottish jail

Convicted Longford murderer Patrick Rae is back in Ireland and will serve out the remainder of his life sentence in a midlands prison, the Leader can reveal.

Rae (44) was jailed three years ago for the rape and murder of Dundee woman, Mary McLaren in February 2010.

He was found guilty at Edinburgh High Court by a majority verdict at Edinburgh High Court and sentenced to a minimum of 20 years behind bars.

Serial sex offender, Rae, who had 13 previous convictions to his name prior to his 2011 trial, had denied killing 34-year-old mother of three Ms McLaren following a night out at Fat Sams nightclub in Dundee in February 2010.

Her body was found two weeks later hidden in undergrowth, sparking a massive police manhunt which led to Rae’s eventual arrest two weeks later.

Throughout his questioning and month long trial before, Judge Lord Tyre, the labourer denied all charges by lodging a special defence of alibi and consent.

Now, more than three years later, authorities have granted his wish to serve out the remainder of his sentence in Ireland.

One of the reasons behind his attempts to move home was believed to centre on an unsuccessful appeal against his conviction and difficulties in adjusting to life behind bars.

In June 2011, just days after his trial was heard, the Leader revealed Rae had been subject to an attack by another prisoner while serving time in Perth Prison.

Rae’s health has also come under the spotlight, most notably in 2012 the Longford native had suffered a heart attack.

It’s not known though, if any of these played a part in prison authorities granting his transfer.

The Leader has, meanwhile, learned Rae’s repatriation was sealed earlier this month, when he was transferred to Cloverhill Prison.

It’s understood, prison authorities decided to move him for a second time to a midlands prison just last Thursday where it is believed he will remain for the forseeable future.

However, a spokesperson said any suggestions Rae could benefit from a more lenient parole system were roundly rejected.

“He (Rae) is transferred back under our conditions, not the UK’s,” said a spokesperson.