My brother did not deserve this
Man (61) fights for his life after brutal attack
Sunday, March 23, 2008
By Stephen Breen
The latest victim of Ulster's growing thug culture was last night fighting
for his life in hospital.
Francie Doherty, from Commons Road in Ballykinler, is on a life-support
machine at Antrim Area Hospital after he was subjected to a vicious beating
at his home on March 15.
The popular 61-year-old - who was also attacked by thugs in 2006 - suffered
extensive head injuries.
The alarm was raised by next-door neighbour Jim Campbell, who is the assault
victim's brother-in-law, after he heard a commotion.
Francie's devastated family have been maintaining a bedside vigil since the
incident, which has sent shockwaves through the close-knit village.
Mr Doherty's brother, Harry (76), spoke exclusively to Sunday Life and
revealed his fears for his brother's life.
Said Harry: "My brother didn't deserve this and we can't believe this
has happened to him. We can only hope the doctors can save him.
"He has not been responding to the treatment all week and we are also
very worried about what state he could be left in even if he does make it.
We really don't know what's going to happen. It's not good.
"I can't understand why anyone would want to do this to Harry because
there was no harm in him. I think they left him for dead. They gave him a
terrible beating around the head.
"We also believe that if my brother-in-law had not raised the alarm,
then Francie may not be with us today.
"My brother is critically ill because of the actions of someone else
and if anyone knows anything about the attack, then they should come
forward. "
Two men arrested over the attack last week have been released on police bail.
Local Sinn Fein councillor Eamonn Mac Con Midhe said the local community
were "stunned" by the brutal nature of the attack.
Added Mr Mac Con Midhe: "Francie is well-known in the Downpatrick area
and this is a sickening attack on a defenceless man.
"My sympathies are with his family and everyone is praying that he
pulls through. Whoever committed this terrible act needs to be brought
before the courts. This attack is just one of many in this area and it's
only a matter of time before someone is killed. We all have to make a stand
against these types of incidents.
"If anybody knows anything about what happened to Francie, then I
would encourage them to come forward."
The Co Down man was attacked on the same night that west Belfast man Frank
'Bap' McGreevy was beaten around the head in his own home.
The former republican prisoner, who was buried yesterday, later died from
his injuries.
sbreen@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
