A man has been charged with the murder of Paul McCauley in Derry.

Story by UTV Staff, Belfast
:::u.tv:::
17 July 2015

**See also: Paul McCauley dies after being beaten by loyalist thugs in 2006 sectarian attack in Waterside, Derry



Paul, before the brutal attack

Mr McCauley died last month in a care facility almost nine years after he was attacked by a mob in July 2006.

Police said they arrested a 24-year-old man in the Fountain Street area of the city on Thursday morning.

The man has been charged with murder to appear at Londonderry Magistrates Court on Saturday.

A short statement from the PSNI said: “A 24-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Paul McCauley and is to appear at Londonderry Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.”

Paul McCauley never recovered after he suffered severe brain injuries when he was viciously set upon by a loyalist gang while attending a barbecue in the Waterside area on 16 July 2006.

The Catholic civil servant, who was 29 years old at the time, had remained in a persistent vegetative state since the attack, unable to move or communicate, and needing 24-hour nursing care.

Police on Thursday said the investigation had “taken on a renewed impetus” since Paul’s death last month.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Harvey, from Serious Crime Branch, said: “This is a very challenging investigation, especially with the passing of time, but we are fully committed to exploring all avenues and opportunities and I would appeal to everyone in the community, if they have any information, come forward and contact detectives.”