THE IRISH STUDENT WHO was seriously injured in an assault in Chicago in April  2010 has contracted a superbug in hospital, which is understood to be disrupting her recovery.

Natasha McShane, 23, from Silverbridge, and her friend were attacked and beaten by a baseball bat as they walked home one evening.

McShane, a UCD graduate, had just completed a masters programme at the University of Illinois. Her family said she was planning on travelling around America before returning to Ireland.

The 23-year-old was in a coma for weeks following the attack. In the middle of June 2010, her family said she was undergoing rehabilitation for her injuries and had recovered sufficiently to walk with assistance. Weeks later, she returned to Northern Ireland.

It is understood she contracted the superbug after brain surgery before Christmas.

A family member has told the Irish Daily Mail that the recovery McShane made through her rehabilitation treatment has now been reversed by the infection. They said that the improvements she had made can no longer be seen.

She is due to undergo further surgery next month to insert a plate in her skull.

Heriberto Viramontes, 30, of West Evergreen and Marcy Cruz, 25, of North Springfield, have both been charged with armed robbery and aggravated battery in connection with the attack on the two girls. US police have used records from credit cards and mobile phones stolen from the two young women in their investigation.

Read more in today’s Irish Daily Mail (in print) >