Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Paul McCauley at home earlier this year. He is in an unresponsive state. PSNI
Northern Ireland
Five arrests over assault that left man in vegetative state
The four men and one woman were arrested in connection with an assault on Paul McCauley, who was attacked after a barbeque in 2006.
FIVE PEOPLE HAVE been arrested during a PSNI investigation into an attack that left a young man in a vegetative state.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch investigating the attempted murder of Paul McCauley on 16 July 2006 in Derry said they arrested four men and a woman this morning.
Three men – aged 22, 42 and 49 – and a woman aged 40 were arrested in Derry. A fourth man (24) was arrested in the Midlands in England. They are in the process of being questioned at police stations in Derry.
Three houses were searched in Derry and the individuals were detained at houses in the Fountain estate and Kilfennan.
In July, police renewed their appeal for information on the incident in which McCauley (34), a Catholic civil servant and father of one, was viciously attacked.
One man is currently serving a 12-year sentence for the assault, but police believe that as many as 15 people were involved.
Paul was attending a summer barbecue at a house on 15 July 2006. By 3.20am on 16 July, only three people remained.
A group of up to 15 people came out from the bushes and attacked Paul and two of his friends, before making off in the direction of Irish Street.
Police say the investigation remains active and ongoing and detectives have again appealed “for those with information about what happened that night on open ground at the back of a house in Chapel Road to come forward and talk to police”.
Anyone with information is asked to ring 0845 600 8000 or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.
have your say