Lack of movement case of Derry man shot dead in 2010 due to engagement with Republic's authorities

A coroner has said that the main thing preventing an inquest into the case of a Derry man shot dead in 2010 'moving forward' was the engagement with the authorities in the Republic.

Kieran Doherty (31) from Coshowen in Derry was found shot dead on the Braehead Road in February 24, 2010.

He was found stripped and bound and his death was claimed by the dissident republican group the Real IRA who made allegations against him. 

At a preliminary hearing today the Coroner Judge Brian Sherrard said there was an update on the engagement with the authorities in the Republic.

Denise Killy counsel to the Coroner said there had been 'close engagement' between the Coroner's office and the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) in Dublin.

She said that as of April 25 this year the Coroner's Office had been told that 'a response from the Gardai was at an advanced stage.'

The Gardai had been asked for any information they may have on Mr Doherty and his death. 

Ms Killy said that the CSSO could not provide a timescale when that work would be completed but she said there had been 'a steady progression'.

The Coroner said that he was aware of the 'complexity' of the issue but was also conscious of the 'need to work closely with authorities in the Republic.'

He added that once this information was available it would then be subjected to various processes in the North. 

Judge Sherrard said he hoped that it would be 'some sort of succour' to the Doherty family that the case was still being looked into.

The hearing was adjourned until June 17 for a update and it was decided to inform the CSSO of that timescale.