Catholic civil serant Paul McCauley who was viciously attack in July 2006 and who died on Saturday
DETECTIVES have urged the public to come forward with information to help them put behind bars the loyalist mob who murdered Paul McCauley almost nine years ago.
Brave Paul clung to life after being left in a vegetative state following the attack in Derry’s Waterside in July 2006 while attending a barbecue.
The 32-year-old never recovered after he suffered severe brain injuries when he was brutally attacked by the sectarian gang.
The Catholic civil servant sadly passed away on Saturday morning in a care unit with his heartbroken family by his side. He never regained consciousnesss.
Police believe up to 15 people were involved in the unprovoked sectarian attack.
Only one man – Daryl Proctor – was jailed for the violent assault at Chapel Road in the city, while 25 others were arrested and questioned.
Proctor was released from prison this year.
The other members of the gang remain at large despite repeated police appeals for information.
The detective now leading the murder hunt, Chief Inspector Michael Harvey, said: “In memory of Paul, for the McCauley family and in the interests of justice, police stand ready to explore any opportunities provided either by a change in circumstances or a qualm of conscience.
“The investigation remains open and detectives are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
“Paul was an innocent victim of an unprovoked sectarian assault.
“Our Chief Constable (George Hamilton) said last year he was sorry that more people had not been brought to justice than the one individual who was convicted and sentenced.”
He aded: “On behalf of the entire police family, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the McCauley family following Paul’s death.
Sectarian victim Paul McCauley tragically dies after nine year battle
“They have conducted themselves with great dignity over the past almost nine years since the vicious attack on Paul and his friends.
“The love and care they gave to Paul have been a beacon of light in a tragically dark set of circumstances.
“They have been a compelling voice on Paul’s behalf, a voice with dignity, energy and compassion.”
Local politicians have also expressed their sadness that Paul’s passing yesterday morning.
Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul McCauley.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his parents Jim and Cathy, his daughter Maeve, and all his family and friends.
“Paul, a young father with his whole life in front of him, was cruelly robbed of his future during a frenzied attack that caused devastating injuries.”
SDLP MLA for Foyle Mark H Durkan urged people in Derry to “get behind the McCauley family in their campaign to see justice for Paul”.
Mr Durkan said the family have “endured a torrid nine years watching their son suffer in a manner few of us can imagine”.
“Their pain has been compounded by the failure to see justice done.
“I was at school with Paul and know that a gentle being he was. That his life has been destroyed and that those responsible are still walking the streets is very difficult to take.
“This may not be the time to dwell on the shortcomings of the police investigation into this incident but we must get behind the McCauley family in their campaign to see justice for Paul.”
