Courts / Dublin / Report

Attempted murder accused broke two knives before chasing ex with third, jury hears

Date
2024-03-04

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 4 March 2024, Philip Cox, 39, pleaded not guilty to a single count of attempted murder of his former partner, Cristal O'Brien, after an incident on 1 December 2022 at York Street Flats. The prosecution presented evidence that Cox had broken two knives during an argument with O'Brien, pursued her, and then broke a third knife to continue the attack. O'Brien fled to a neighbour's home, where Cox broke the neighbour's door, unbolted the lock, and threatened her again. She later hid behind a car and called Gardaí, who arrested Cox. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, will focus on proving Cox's intent to kill and the physical acts of breaking and using the knives, with a potential duration of up to one week. The case also notes Cox's prior guilty pleas for assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, and knife production, which do not affect the attempted murder charge.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Attempted murder accused broke two knives before chasing ex with third, jury hears. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of his former partner, Cristal O'Brien, at the flat complex on December 1, 2022; assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and to the production of a knife during the course of a dispute at the same date and location. "The fact that he has pleaded guilty to those offences does not mean he is guilty of what is before you to decide," Mr O'Leary told the jury. "They are parts of the overall facts but he has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder," said counsel. Procedural stage: trial

When:

December 1, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
2024-03-04 Publication

Why: The prosecution will show, said counsel, that the injuries during this attack were to Ms O'Brien's legs and lower body because Mr Cox was being held back by their neighbour, who pulled his shirt back, preventing him from attacking Ms O'Brien further up her body. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Philip Cox

Defendant

Charges: the attempted murder of his former partner, Cristal O'Brien, at the flat complex on December 1, 2022; assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and to the production of a knife during the course of a dispute at the same date and location. "The fact that he has pleaded guilty to those offences does not mean he is guilty of what is before you to decide," Mr O'Leary told the jury. "They are parts of the overall facts but he has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder," said counsel (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty