Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman tells attempted murder trial that ex broke two knives during attack

Summary

In the attempted murder trial of Philip Cox, the former partner of Cristal O'Brien, O'Brien gave evidence that Cox threatened to stab her "to pieces" and broke two knives before retrieving a third. She described how, after an argument, Cox entered the kitchen with a large kitchen knife, pointed it at her, and attempted to stab her. O'Brien tried to call the Gardaí, but Cox knocked the phone out of her hand. She fled to the common landing, where Cox threatened to stab her again. O'Brien and her neighbour, Alice McGrath, fled the flat, hiding behind a car until Gardaí and an ambulance arrived. O'Brien was taken to St James's Hospital, where she received stitches for two stab wounds, a tetanus shot and treatment for a busted lip and bruised arms. The trial continues before Mr Justice Hunt and a jury. Philip Cox pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman tells attempted murder trial that ex broke two knives during attack. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of his former partner Cristal O'Brien, at that address on December 1, 2022; producing a knife, aggravated burglary and assault causing harm. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 1, 2022 Incident
• Christmas Incident
• 2024-12-10 Publication

Why: She said that Mr Cox kicked her twice in the face and must have hit the knife off the wall because it broke. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report