Courts / Dublin / Report

Victim says he cannot contemplate how someone planned to end his life

Date
2023-07-25

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

The Central Criminal Court heard Andrew O'Brien's victim impact statement after an attempted murder on 8 April 2022. O'Brien, aged 36, was shot twice in the face from close range while seated in his car, leaving him with shattered teeth, a throat hole, a burn scar and speech difficulties. The gunman, Sam Archibald, 36, was a passenger in O'Brien's car and later walked to another vehicle, shooting O'Brien through the open passenger side window. Archibald fled the scene, was later arrested on 11 April, and has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder. He also faces charges under the Firearms Act for possession of a .38 calibre revolver and ammunition. O'Brien was hospitalised with non‑life‑threatening injuries and remains depressed, with his father describing the psychological impact. Archibald is remanded in custody until 2 October, when he will be sentenced.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Victim says he cannot contemplate how someone planned to end his life. Charges or matters: possession of a .38 calibre revolver on April 8 with intent to endanger life at Cherrywood Grove. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

April 8, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
April 8 Incident
April 9 Other
April 11 Incident
October 2 Adjournment
2023-07-25 Publication

Case subjects

Sam Archibald

Defendant

Charges: possession of a .38 calibre revolver on April 8 with intent to endanger life at Cherrywood Grove (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Mr Justice Hunt remanded Archibald in custody today until October 2, when he will be sentenced.; Mr Justice Hunt remanded Archibald in custody today until October 2, when he will be sentenced.