Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury in attempted knife murder trial pause deliberations for weekend

Date
2024-03-08
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

The jury in the Central Criminal Court trial of Philip Cox, 39, for an attempted murder of his former partner Cristal O'Brien, has paused deliberations for the weekend and will resume on Monday at 10.30am. Over two days, the panel of seven men and five women spent five hours and 22 minutes considering the case. Mr Justice Paul McDermott instructed the jury to suspend their work for the weekend. Cox, originally from Tallaght but residing at York Street Flats, Dublin 2, pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charge. O'Brien testified that Cox threatened to kill her, used two knives to stab her, and then sought a third, causing two stab wounds to her leg. A neighbour, Alice McGrath, testified that Cox said he would "finish her off" and that he did not care if he did time. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Tim O'Leary SC, argued that Cox's intentions were "absolutely clear" and left no doubt.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury in attempted knife murder trial pause deliberations for weekend. 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 the dispute. Procedural stage: trial

When:

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 the dispute (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Public Prosecutions

Applicant

Charges: assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and to the production of a knife during the course of the dispute (Alleged Or Contested)

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Residence
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

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