Man detained over Derry assault assisted 'defenceless victim' solicitor says after securing unconditional release

Ciarán Shiels, of Madden and Finucane, said today: “Our client provided a detailed and comprehensive account of his movements and interaction with the unfortunate victim in this case, who we understand is fighting for his life in intensive care.

“It should be noted that our client took significant steps to give whatever assistance and comfort he could to the defenceless victim in this case.

“Terrible injuries have been inflicted on the individual and it has been reported that he is currently fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. We understand that the CCTV which has now been obtained by investigators fully corroborates our client’s account.”

The man, in his 30s, was set upon by a number of males and left with serious head injuries in the attack in the Carlisle Road area on Sunday, the PSNI said on Monday.

Detective Inspector Adrian Burns said: “The assault was reported to have occurred at the lower end of Carlisle Road close to the roundabout at around 4.50pm on Sunday afternoon.

"It was reported that a man, aged in his 30s, was punched and kicked by a number of males leaving him with serious head injuries. The injured man was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast following the incident and he remains in the Intensive Care Unit today in a critical condition.