Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury fail to reach verdict in case of attempted murder accused who broke two knives in attack on ex

Date
2024-03-11

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court trial, a jury could not reach a verdict on the attempted murder charge against Philip Cox, who allegedly broke two knives and stabbed his former partner, Cristal O'Brien, twice in the leg during an attack at her home on 1 December 2022. O'Brien described the assault as "terrifying," noting that Cox threatened to "kill her" and that she sustained two stab wounds. Witness Alice McGrath testified that Cox said he would "finish her off" and that he had no care about time in prison. Cox pleaded not guilty to attempted murder but guilty to assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and knife production. After 3 days of deliberation, the jury returned to court with no verdict, and the judge recorded a "Disagreement" on the issue paper. The case was scheduled for mention on 22 March.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury fail to reach verdict in case of attempted murder accused who broke two knives in attack on ex. 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:

December 1, 2022 Incident
July 2022 Incident
March 22 Incident
December 1 Other
2024-03-11 Publication

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 the dispute (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty