Ukrainian refugee remains in serious condition after being hit by motorbike last week

Motorbike rider with links to Dublin crime organisation left with minor injuries

A Ukrainian refugee remains in a serious condition after being struck by a motorcycle last week.

The motorcycle rider is linked to a well-known Dublin crime family and has served time in prison for manslaughter.

The victim, a 61-year-old grandmother, was hit after 1pm last Friday as she crossed the road on Amiens Street near her temporary accommodation in the Address Connolly, formerly the North Star Hotel, which has been used to house refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

She remains in the Mater hospital where she is in a “serious” condition, gardaí said on Friday.

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The rider of the motorcycle, a man in his mid-30s, suffered minor injuries in the crash and was also taken for treatment in the Mater hospital. He was recently released from prison and has been advised by gardaí his life is under threat from other criminals.

The crash is the subject of an investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) as the motorcyclist had interacted with gardaí shortly before the crash. Under law, Gsoc must investigate incidents of death or injury if they occur around the time of interaction with gardaí.

It is understood the motorcyclist had come across a Garda checkpoint shortly before the crash. He was breathalysed at the scene and tested negative for alcohol.

On Friday gardaí renewed their appeal for witnesses. “Gardaí in Store Street are appealing for any witnesses who were in the North Strand/Amiens Street areas between 1pm and 2:00pm who may have footage [including dash cam] to make it available,” the Garda said in a statement.

“They are particularly keen for anyone who may have witnessed a motorbike in the area at this time to contact them. Anyone with information is asked to contact Store Street Garda station on 01 666 8000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher is Crime and Security Correspondent of The Irish Times