6 May 2012
Derry Journal
The father of a Derry man who was shot at his St Johnston home by Republican Action Against Drugs (RAAD) this week has said he has no idea why his son was targeted.
James Curtis, 39, was shot four times in front of his partner, while his seven-month old child slept upstairs. Two men burst their way into his Legnatraw home outside the village and shot him in both arms and legs.
The victim was rushed to hospital in Dublin where it’s understood he was close to losing one of his limbs.
Mr Curtis’ father Maurice, speaking on local radio, said his son almost died as a result of losing so much blood.
Mr Curtis said: “My son is not a drug dealer - never took drugs, never used drugs, never sold drugs. He has got no criminal record whatsoever, he works five days a week. He has a young baby and a partner and that’s all he lives for. I can’t really understand why this has happened to him.”
Referring to those who shot his son, Mr. Curtis said:
“I would just like to know why they did it, what their reasons were and what they hope to achieve out of it.”
“It will be up to a year before he can put his foot on the ground again or even try to walk because of the extent of his injuries and the doctors think he won’t be able to go back to work again. The main artery in his right leg is badly damaged and he could have bled to death.”
RAAD has since issued a statement claiming responsibility for the shooting and has also claimed the shooting of 18-year-old Phil O’Donnell in Creggan. The self styled vigilante group have said that “no amount of protest” will force it to give up violence.
Post a Comment