Man stabbed to death in Cloverhill prison had been assaulted two weeks earlier
Exclusive: Martin Salinger, who was stabbed to death in Dublin's Cloverhill prison at the weekend, had also been assaulted at the prison last month in an attack suspected to be related to a drugs row behind bars
by Paul Healy · Irish MirrorAn inmate stabbed to death at the weekend had been assaulted just over two weeks earlier.
The Irish Mirror confirmed that Martin Salinger, who was attacked with a piece of a broken kettle on Saturday, was also assaulted on September 20. Both incidents happened in Cloverhill Prison in West Dublin, where the 43-year-old was locked up awaiting drugs and firearms charges.
Salinger, who was from West Dublin but had a last address in Bettystown, Co Meath, suffered a horrendous ordeal in the prolonged 5am attack. A source said on Sunday night: “It went on for a good while.”
READ MORE: Man stabbed to death in Cloverhill cell named as Gardai to launch murder probe
In the previous attack, Salinger was badly assaulted by three other inmates in another cell – and the suspicion is that it was related to a drugs row behind bars. He was suspected of smuggling drugs into the jail and sources say it’s believed he was attacked in relation to that.
Salinger was attacked by a notorious criminal well-known for his violence in prison – and who was being questioned by Garda detectives on Sunday night. One source said: “He is a very dangerous man. He has been involved in numerous assaults. Most prisoners, even hardened ones, are afraid of him.”
The Irish Mirror has also established that the suspect attacked another man in the cell – shortly after Salinger was killed. It’s understood the suspect attacked that inmate after telling him to come down from his bunk and make him a cup of tea. That man was also stabbed with the homemade knife made from the kettle, but survived. He was being treated for his injuries on Sunday night.
Salinger was well-known in Ballyfermot, West Dublin, and was involved in a horse and carriage business. Tributes have since poured out on social media for Salinger, who was known to some pals as “Cramps”. One wrote: “Rip cramps me owl pal, may you get the best bed in heaven, you’ve left everyone you met with great memories and laughs that will last a lifetime.” His son also paid tribute in a social media post, writing: “Love you Da.”
Salinger had been charged over a gun and drug seizure in August. A handgun and €20,000 worth of cannabis were recovered by the Dublin Crime Response Team and the Garda Armed Support Unit, at a property in Ballyfermot.
The IPS said in a statement: “The Irish Prison Service wish to express our condolences to the deceased’s family and friends.”
In a statement on Monday, An Garda Síochána said: "Gardaí at Ronanstown continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the death of a prisoner at Cloverhill Prison in Dublin on Saturday, 5th October 2024.
"The man (30s) arrested in relation to this investigation has been released without charge, from detention under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Investigations are ongoing."
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