Man killed in assault in Clondalkin survived gun attack last year

A murder inquiry is under way in Dublin after a man who survived a gun attack last year died following an assault after a Halloween night bonfire.

Robert Ellis (25), who had dozens of criminal convictions, was chased from a bonfire at St Mark's housing estate in Clondalkin by four people at about 3.10am.

Detectives believe Mr Ellis ran from the scene of the bonfire, across Neilstown Road and into the back garden of a property at Liscarne Gardens, where his body was later discovered with stab wounds.

Mr Ellis did not live at the property but there were people in the house at the time. The four individuals who gave chase left the property over a back garden wall, gardaí say.

One line of inquiry being pursued is that Mr Ellis was involved in a confrontation at the bonfire and may have been wounded before fleeing.

The Garda Technical Bureau carried out an examination of the garden yesterday, and Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis conducted a preliminary examination of the scene before the body was removed.

No weapons

Garda Supt Dermot Mann of Lucan Garda station said it was “a bit early to confirm” if Mr Ellis had died from stab wounds before seeing the results of a postmortem.No weapons have been recovered and there have been no arrests.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact Ronanstown Garda station on 01-666 7700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. Garda Supt Mann said: “This was a young man in his 20s. We believe he’s a father. We want the community to come and help us solve this terrible crime.”

Mr Ellis had convictions for assault involving a machete, public order offences and distribution of drugs.

He is believed to have been closely associated with convicted criminal Lee McDonnell, who went on the run in December 2014 after escaping from a prison van that stopped for food following a prison visit.

Warning

In March 2015, Mr Ellis and his girlfriend were injured when a gunman opened fire on them outside a house in Grange View estate in Clondalkin. Mr Ellis had been officially warned by gardaí of a threat to his life.

There were a number of bonfires still burning on the estate yesterday.

Several groups shouted abuse at reporters, while a number of locals declined to speak to the media.

One man expressed concern for his safety. “I know what they’re like down there,” he said. “I couldn’t say anything. I have kids.”

A woman who did not wish to be named expressed concern for the reputation of the area. “Another life taken, and for what? It’ll never end.”