TWO men have been jailed for their part in a sectarian assault on a young man in Derry that left the victim in a vegetative state.
Paul McCauley, then 29, suffered severe head injuries in the assault on July 16, 2006.
He died nine years later having never regained consciousness.
On Friday, Matthew Gillon, 31, from Derry, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, with half to be served on licence, after pleading guilty to manslaughter.
Piper John McClements, 28, from Derry, was told he must serve three years in prison after pleading guilty to murder.
McClements – previously known as Daryl Proctor – had already served six years of a 12-year sentence, having been convicted in 2009 of the attempted murder of Mr McCauley.
The victim and two friends were at a barbecue when a group of up to six males appeared and attacked the trio in the early hours of July 16, 2006.
Mr McCauley suffered a fractured skull and bleeding to his brain, remaining in a coma until he passed away.
'No regrets'
In an audio recording released by the PSNI on Friday, Gillon cuuld be heard saying he didn’t regret anything.
“[They were just] boys from the other side, they weren’t anybody special that I would know,” he says.
He adds: “Yes, it was exciting but obviously that’s all in my past now, I’m not interested in that anymore.
“I know I have to deal with what I’ve done in the past but I’m happy for that, I don’t regret anything.”
Innocent victim
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Michael Harvey said there was ‘no logical reason’ for the killing.
“Paul was 29 years old when he was the innocent victim of this unprovoked sectarian assault from which he never regained consciousness,” he said.
“He was a much-loved friend and family member who volunteered in his local community and his life was brought to a brutal end for no logical reason.
“I hope today’s sentencing provides some measure of comfort to Paul’s family.”
DCI Harvey urged anyone with information on the other attackers to come forward.
“Allegiances and loyalties are likely to have changed so I would urge anyone with any information that will help us to bring everyone involved in the assault before the Courts to contact Police on 101,” he said.
