Courts / Dublin / Report

Attempted murder trial interrupted as accused calls ex 'a lying c**t

Date
2024-03-05

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Philip Cox, 39, was accused of attempting to murder his former partner, Cristal O'Brien, after a 12‑month relationship. O'Brien testified that on 1 December 2022 Cox entered their flat, threatened to stab her "to pieces", and brandished a knife. She described a violent confrontation in which Cox broke two knives, then sought a third, and attempted to stab her while she fled to a neighbour's flat. O'Brien was injured, sustaining two stab wounds to her left thigh, a broken lip, and bruising. During the trial, Cox interrupted proceedings, calling O'Brien a "lying c***", and was subsequently removed from the courtroom. The judge apologized for the interruption and instructed the jury to focus on the evidence presented. The case remains pending before Mr Justice McDermott. Philip Cox pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Attempted murder trial interrupted as accused calls ex 'a lying c**t. 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. Procedural stage: trial

When:

December 1, 2022 Other
July 2022 Other
December 2022 Other
December 1 Other
2024-03-05 Publication

Case subjects

Philip Cox

Accused

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 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty