Shaun Ryan (35), was shot twice in both legs during a punishment-style shooting at Ladbrokes betting shop in Meenan Square.

The father of three has since undergone surgery at Altnagelvin Hospital.
Speaking exclusively to the 'Journal' from his hospital bed, Shaun Ryan and his wife Deborah described his attackers as "scumbags."

"It's a vendetta,"said Shaun. "I don't sell drugs, I did sell years ago, but now I've stopped."

He said be believed the gunmen came after him because he was seen driving around in a new car and it was assumed he had money.

"I bought that car on higher purchase with my father," he said. "I was going to use it to start taxi-ing."

Still visibly shaken from his ordeal, Mr Ryan said the attack had been devastating for his wife and family.

"The people who did this are scum of the earth," he said. "I wouldn't wish this on any family, just weeks before Christmas."

Although it had been feared he could lose a leg, doctors were able to remove the bullets from Shaun Ryan's kneecaps. However, it could be months before he's able to walk again.

Just after 9pm on Wednesday night two masked men armed with a shotgun entered Ladbrokes on Meenan Square and demanded that customers lie on the floor. The men singled out Shaun Ryan and shot him in both legs.
Witnesses said Mr Ryan's injuries were so severe the ground was saturated in blood.

The attackers then made their escape hijacking a silver Vauxhall Vectra at Dove Gardens. The car was later found burned out at Creggan Heights.
Yesterday Mr. Ryan's sister Marguerite, visibly shaken, broke down in tears as she visited the scene of the shooting.

"We have no idea why Shaun has been targeted like this," she said.
Family friend SDLP Councillor John Tierney condemned the shooting.: "Shaun could have lost a leg," he said. "These so-called punishment shootings are barbaric. Once people go out with a loaded gun, no one knows what will happen next."

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney says those who carried out the shooting have "nothing to offer the community."

Donal McCarthy from Ladbrokes said his staff had been traumatised by the shooting and added that they will be reviewing their security arrangements.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward. The number to ring is 08456008000 or crimestoppers on 0800555111.