Criminal on temporary release critical after hit and run

A criminal on temporary release from prison is in a critical condition following a hit and run in Dublin.

The 34-year-old man was attacked on Parnell Street by a gang yesterday morning. He got away but was later hit by a car at around 1pm on Trinity Lane by Clonliffe Road near Croke Park in Dublin. His attackers fled in what is believed to have been a stolen car which was later found burned out by gardaí on nearby Stoney Road.

The man was lying unconscious in the laneway for up to half an hour before he was discovered. He has has a broken neck, fractured skull and ruptured spleen and is receiving treatment in the Mater hospital.

The man, who is known to gardaí, was on temporary release from prison, where he was serving a seven-year sentence for a burglary in Coolock four years ago.

A Garda spokesman said they would “investigate all the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

The scene has been preserved for a technical examination and Gardai at Mountjoy have appealed for witnesses or anyone who may have information to contact them on 01 666 8640, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any Garda station.