February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Pierce O’Reilly
Police in Manhattan are investigating a vicious attack in Manhattan recently that left a young Irish immigrant hospitalized for more than a week.
Mark Gill, a native of Dublin, was attacked, robbed and seriously injured on June 19 while on his way home following a night out with friends.
The attack occurred as Gill headed home alone after parting company with his friends on the lower West Side. He was followed by two unidentified men and jumped upon from behind as he tried to flee. The incident turned vicious when the two continued to kick and punch their victim after robbing him of his wallet and other personal belongings.
Police confirmed on Tuesday that several bystanders witnessed the assault and that they most likely would be able to identify the culprits, who struck outside a busy restaurant.
Gill was knocked unconscious during the incident and admitted to Harlem Hospital, where he was treated for several facial injuries, including a broken jaw, a hairline fracture in his face and several broken teeth. Several wire plates were inserted into his mouth and his jaw-line had to be reconstructed. He was released from hospital over the weekend and is expected to return to Dublin for further surgery next week.
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The 25-year-old Gill, an electrician who arrived in New York last October, said he was going to leave the city following the incident. Gill has worked with several construction companies over the last few months and had plans to travel to San Francisco for the summer months.