Family of murdered Derry man will be 'patient' until all the information has been gathered

Counsel for the family of a Derry man found shot dead on the Braehead Road in 2010 has said that the family will be 'patient' until all the information has been gathered.

Stephen Toal was speaking at a preliminary hearing into the death of Kieran Doherty (31) of Coshowen in Derry who was found shot dead on February 24, 2010.

At the time his death was claimed by the dissident republican group the Real IRA who said Mr Doherty was one of their members. The group made allegations against the dead man. 

At today's hearing Mr Toal for the Doherty family said their concern was to 'get to the truth of the death' and they would be patient until all the necessary information was available.

He was reacting to a disclosure by Ian Skelt KC counsel for the Coroner that the Chief State Solicitor's office in the Republic has been in touch with what he described as 'a short but positive update.'

Previous hearings had been told that the Irish authorities had been asked for any information they may have in relation to Mr Doherty. 

Mr Skelt said that they had received a reply from the Chief State Solicitor's office yesterday (Thursday) stating they were looking into the matter.

The barrister said that the State Solicitor's office was 'not in a position to give specifics' but suggested that the Coroner 's office should liaise with the Southern authorities over the summer to progress the issue. 

The Coroner Judge Brian Sherrard said he felt that the best course of action was to gather all the relevant information before making decisions as to what applications were necessary. 

He said that it was 'worthwhile' for his office to liaise with the State Solicitor's office to reassure the Doherty family that 'all avenues are being explored'. 

Jonathan Glasson KC for the Secretary of State said that it was 'a positive development'.

The hearing was adjourned until September 11.