A member of major criminal 'Fat' Freddie Thompson's gang who was allegedly stabbed by his boss in Dublin city last Thursday will be a key witness in the murder trial of one of Thompson's rivals, the Sunday Tribune can reveal.


The 25-year-old man received serious stab injuries to his face, head and stomach in an alley near Cork Street after allegedly being attack­ed by Thompson and three of his associates.


Gardaí believe the victim, who is from Crumlin, was attacked because of Thompson's frustration that the majority of his drugs shipments have been intercepted by gardaí recently.


Although there is no evidence the man was in any way involved in drugs, the gang are believed to have attacked him to teach other junior members a lesson.


Ironically, the victim, who is in a serious condition in hospital, is a pivotal witness in the murder trial of a rival criminal from south Dublin which is scheduled to begin next year.


Details of the murder cannot be revealed for legal reasons but the injured man is one of only a small number of eyewitnesses to the killing and his cooperation may be crucial in determining whether the man is convicted. If he eventually decides not to testify and the man is acquitted, it will be a major blow to 27-year-old Thompson who has control of the drugs market around Crumlin, Drimnagh and the south-inner city.


The stabbed man has refused to cooperate with gardaí and will not make a statement.


Informed sources say there will be no charges relating to last week's attack. The investigation is being led by detectives from Kevin Street garda station.


Among those detained at the scene in Ave Maria Avenue in Maryland were a female relative of Thompson and two of his closest associates.


One of these men is the prime suspect in the attempted murder of 'The Viper' Martin Foley outside a gym in Kimmage last January. He has not been charged in relation to that attack.


A senior garda source investigating from Kevin Street said: "It just shows you how desperate Freddie has become if he is prepared to attack and possibly murder one of the men who can help to put his bitter rival away for murder.


"He will be left in a very awkward position if the latest victim refuses to cooperate in the forthcoming trial."


Thompson's gang is involved in two disputes with the INLA as well as a rival drugs gang based in the south city.