Elderly taxi driver stabbed 30 times during robbery

An elderly taxi driver, who was stabbed up to 30 times and robbed, may never work again.

Grandfather Seamus Hogan, who is in his 70s, was yesterday recovering at home in Moate after his terrifying ordeal at the hands of young thugs. His seat belt was tightened around his neck and he was slashed in the face during the late-night robbery in Athlone.

Gardaí confirmed that three youths had been arrested in connection with the incident and were being held for questioning in Athlone.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning Mr Hogan was approached by two youths at a taxi rank in Dublingate St in Athlone who asked him to take them to Coosan.

He became suspicious en route, however, and pulled over near a pedestrian underpass. But as he stopped he was attacked from behind and his seat belt was tightened around his neck by the assailants who demanded his money. He was beaten by the youths who produced a knife and kept prodding it into his face. He received upwards of 30 puncture marks in the attack.

The pair took his takings for the night and also raided his float. They ripped his watch from his wrist and made their escape.

Mr Hogan was rushed by ambulance to Portiuncula Hospital where he received stitches.

Meanwhile, gardaí confirmed yesterday that late on Tuesday afternoon three youths armed with a firearm and an iron bar entered a shop on the Ballymahon road outside Athlone and threatened and assaulted the shopkeeper in his 70s before fleeing empty-handed. He required treatment for head injuries.

In a follow-up operation three youths were arrested and all were being held in Athlone Garda Station.

Anyone with information can contact Athlone Garda Station 090-6498550.