Man stabbed to death in Cloverhill cell pictured as Gardai launch murder probe

Martin Salinger from Ballyfermot, West Dublin, was found dead in his cell on the D1 landing of the remand prison at around 5am on Saturday morning

Gardaí have launched a murder investigation after this man was stabbed to death in Dublin’s remand prison.

Martin Salinger from Ballyfermot, West Dublin, was found dead in his cell on the D1 landing of the remand prison at around 5am on Saturday morning. It is understood he was stabbed in the neck in the midst of a violent incident that also saw one of his cellmates slashed.

Prison officers rushed to the scene of the clash and two prisoners were removed from the cell. The third prisoner, Mr Salinger, who was in his 40s, was discovered dead inside - in what sources described as a “very bloody scene.”

READ MORE: Prisoner, 40s, dies after 'incident' at Cloverhill Prison as Gardai launch investigation

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One of the other prisoners was also injured in the incident - with a number of cuts on his body. Sources say it is believed the victim was stabbed with an improvised shank-like weapon. Mr Sallinger was on remand awaiting trial in relation to an alleged seizure of cannabis and a handgun.

He was well known in the Ballyfermot area and was involved in a horse and carriage business. Tributes have since poured out on social media for Mr Salinger, who was known to some pals as “Cramps.”

“Rip cramps me owl pal, may you get the best bed in heaven, you’ve left everyone who you met with great memories and laughs that will last a lifetime (sic),” one pal wrote.

His son also paid tribute in a social media post writing: “Love you Da,” along with love heart emojis.

His body remains at the prison at this time, with the cell area being declared a crime scene. The suspect has been removed to a close supervision cell, while the other injured man is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect is understood to be well known to prison authorities and has served time previously for a violent offence. Sources say all three prisoners were being held on the D1 landing away from the main prison population - as they were deemed to be unruly.

A Garda Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and a Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to the Mr Salinger’s family.

In a statement, Gardaí said: “Gardaí at Ronanstown are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the death of a prisoner at Cloverhill Prison in Dublin on Saturday, 5 October.

“Shortly after 5:30am, Gardaí and emergency services were alerted by prison authorities to an incident within the prison. A man in his 40s, who was injured during the incident, received treatment from emergency services but was pronounced deceased a short time later.

“The scene remains preserved for a full forensic and technical examination. The Coroner has been notified and the services of the State Pathologist and Garda Technical Bureau have been requested.”

In a statement, the Irish Prison Service said it “can confirm the death of a person in custody in Cloverhill Prison on 5 October. This incident is being investigated by An Garda Síochána and it would not be appropriate to comment further.

“All deaths in custody are also investigated by the office of the Inspector of Prisons. The Irish Prison Service wish to express our condolences to the deceased’s family and friends.”

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