POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have arrested a 26-year-old man in Derry in relation to the murder of Paul McCauley, a man who was left in a vegetative state following an attack in the city in 2006.
The man has been taken to Coleraine police station for questioning.
Paul McCauley died at the age of 38 at a care facility in the early hours of 7 June this year. A Catholic civil servant, Paul was left in a vegetative state in the wake of the attack nine years ago.
He and two friends had left a summer barbecue on at a house on Chapel Road in the city in the early hours of the morning of 15 July, 2006, when they were set-upon by a group of up to 15 people.
The assailants emerged from the bushes and attacked Paul and his friends. After the assault the group made off in the direction of Irish Street.
Police said that the attack was unprovoked and sectarian.
Paul was left with major brain damage. His injuries meant he was unable to move or communicate, and required 24-hour care.
“This arrest brings the number of people who have been arrested since Paul died last June to nine,” said Detective Chief Inspector Michael Harvey, the officer in charge of the investigation.
The right thing
To date, one man has been charged with murder and another reported to the Public Prosecution Service.
“Our enquiries into this murder are very much ongoing and I would like to thank those people who have so far come forward to assist us since Paul’s death,” said Harvey.
I would continue to ask anyone with any information to contact detectives at Maydown police station on the non-emergency number 101 or use the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
In 2014, the chief constable of the PSNI said he was sorry that more people had not been brought to justice over the attack. One man jailed for 12 years for his part in the assault was released earlier this year.
“Even after nine and a half years, it is not too late to do the right thing and come forward,” said Harvey.
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