A DERRY man who sustained multiple fractures during a so called punishment beating while on his honeymoon in the city two weeks ago claimed yesterday that he had been forced to flee hospital because of death threats.
Mr Ciaran Collins flew out from City of Derry Airport with his wife, Annette, and their two children. While his family returned to their new home in Manchester, Mr Collins was expected to admit himself to a hospital in Bolton for further treatment.
Mr Pat Collins said his brother discharged himself early from Altnagelvin Hospital because he was terrified by death threats. The hospital authorities have not commented on the claim.
"His attackers broke one of his legs in seven different places and they also rammed an iron bar through his shin bone. He also has multiple stitches all over his body and he cannot move one of his arms," said Mr Collins.
Mr Ciaran Collins took refuge in St Eugene's Cathedral last year after injuries sustained in an earlier paramilitary attack. The IRA then ordered him to leave Derry.