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'Absolutely shocking': man attacked social media 'influencer' from behind
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Craig O'Brien, aged 28, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to social media influencer Charleen Murphy on 10 February at the Grafton Capital Hotel. O'Brien, who has ten prior convictions including two for assault, struck Murphy from behind, delivering a blow to the back of her head that caused facial injuries and a forehead wound. CCTV footage was described by Judge Orla Crowe as "absolutely shocking". The judge noted no prior animosity between the parties and highlighted the unprovoked nature of the attack. O'Brien was sentenced to two years and three months, with nine months suspended for 18 months, and ordered to remain under probation supervision for 18 months. He must also refrain from any contact with Murphy and keep a 50‑metre distance for five years after release. The court recorded Murphy's victim impact statement, detailing ongoing nightmares, panic attacks and a sense of being "a shell of herself.".
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Absolutely shocking': man attacked social media 'influencer' from behind. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Charleen Murphy at the Grafton Capital Hotel, Dublin 2, on February 10 last. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 10 Incident
- February 11 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-11-24 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm to Charleen Murphy at the Grafton Capital Hotel, Dublin 2, on February 10 last (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Crowe handed him a sentence of two years and three months with the final nine months suspended for 18 months.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Dublin District Court
- Thomond Road
- Dublin
- St James's Hospital
- and attended Pearse Street Garda Station
- Pearse Street
- came straight to the garda station
Topics
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