Republicans blamed for attack on Policing Board chief

Police believe dissident republicans were responsible for an attack on the vice-chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board as he watched a football match in a Derry bar.

Denis Bradley is recovering in hospital today after he was struck several times on the head with a baseball bat by a masked man.

Police confirmed a 26-year-old Derry man has been charged with disorderly behaviour following the trouble which flared as police arrived at the pub.

The man will appear before the city’s magistrates’ court next month.

Police called to Maley’s Bar on Leckey Road in the Brandywell area of the city came under attack by petrol bombs and one man was arrested.

Mr Bradley, who was in the pub with his son, was targeted at around 9pm yesterday as he prepared to watch the second half of the Eircom League Cup final between Derry City and UCD.

The former priest was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital and is understood to have suffered cuts to his head and a suspected broken nose.

A hospital spokesman said he was kept in overnight for observation and was likely to be discharged later today.

Mr Bradley, a long-time community worker, has been the subject of threats from dissident republicans and attacks on his home in Derry since taking up his position on the Board.

His family escaped a multiple petrol bomb attack last year.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan and Policing Board chairman Professor Sir Desmond Rea condemned the attack.

Mr Durkan, who visited Mr Bradley in hospital, said: “Unlike his attackers, Denis Bradley argues his views openly, takes other opinions too and can justify his stance and his actions.

“Attacking a man like this in this way proves the weak cowardice of its perpetrators.

“Nobody should suffer such an attack in any circumstances at the hands of any thug.”

The Foyle MP added: “The strongest possible response to Denis Bradley’s attackers would be not just to condemn it, but to underpin the new beginning to policing for which he and others have worked so strongly, and for which he and others have been attacked.

“We know that those behind this can injure, threaten and intimidate.

“They need to know they cannot succeed by these means.

“That is why politicians and churchmen need to stop retailing the lie that violence pays.

“And it is also why all who claim to be peaceful democrats need to end any doubt about their commitment to a lawful society by committing to the vision and practice of proper accountable policing.”

Prof Rea said the attack was despicable but forecast Mr Bradley will remain committed to his work on the Board.

He said: “I am shocked and appalled at news of this vicious attack on Denis and my thoughts are first and foremost with him and his family.

“I am sure that I speak on behalf of every member of the board and its staff in roundly condemning this totally unwarranted attack.”