91Èȱ¬

A stolen memorial to a Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) officer killed in the Republic of Ireland during the Troubles has been vandalised and returned with pro-IRA slogans, his family have said.

The memorial to John Doherty from County Donegal was stolen about a week after it was unveiled in October 2023.

Mr Doherty was shot by the IRA while visiting his mother in Lifford in 1973.

The plaque has since been returned, but the original tribute has been scored out and a pro-IRA slogan inscribed on it.

Speaking to 91Èȱ¬ Radio Foyle's North West Today programme, John's brother Terry said the family would have the stone restored and "returned to its former glory again".

He described those responsible for desecrating the memorial plaque as "spineless individuals".

John Doherty was a 31-year-old Catholic man who was part of the CID team based in Omagh, County Tyrone.

On 28 October 1973, he crossed the border to visit his widowed mother, Annie, at the family home in Ballindrait, near Lifford.

He and his girlfriend were targeted by an IRA gang at as he turned his car in a narrow laneway. His mother rushed out and found him lying in the car.

His girlfriend survived the attack. Nobody has ever been convicted of the murder.

"We want to show these spineless individuals that our spirit won't be broken and they won't get us down," John's brother Terry Doherty said.

"They entered the graveyard in the hours of the darkness and lowered themselves to steal from a grave - that tells you everything you need to know about them."

Terry Doherty said they became aware that the plaque was returned at the weekend and An Garda Síochána (Irish police) were aware.

"We will rise above this and keep our heads held high and honour John," he said.

Terry Doherty said their family were incredibly proud of John for what he stood for, what he represented and would always remember him with pride.

"John will never be forgotten and the vandals will not win," he said.