Courts / Dublin / Report
'Like a movie scene': Woman describes 'running for life' at hands of ex-partner
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Cristal O'Brien recounted that on 1 December 2022, her ex‑partner Philip Cox, with whom she had lived for 18 years, stabbed her twice while chasing her with three knives. O'Brien described the attack as a "movie scene" she did not sign up to, noting that Cox threatened to "stab her to pieces" and that the incident left her with severe anxiety, panic attacks and post‑traumatic stress disorder. She was on crutches for three weeks, could not drive for months and was out of work for a year, relying on illness benefit. O'Brien also said she had received ten weeks of counselling and may need more. The court heard that Cox's attempted‑murder charge was dropped after a jury failed to reach a verdict, and that he had pleaded not guilty to that charge. He had previously pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and to the production of a knife.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Like a movie scene': Woman describes 'running for life' at hands of ex-partner. 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: sentence
When:
- December 1, 2022 Incident
- March 2024 Incident
- March 24 Adjournment
- Christmas Incident
- 2025-01-20 Publication
Why: In order to return a guilty verdict, the jury were told they had to be satisfied that there was an attempt to kill and that there was an intention to kill. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
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
Outcome: Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted today that it will be "problematic" for Cox (40) to return to his employment as a barman after he is sentenced due to his alcoholism. Cox was remanded in custody until March 24, when he will be sentenced.; Cox was remanded in custody until March 24, when he will be sentenced.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Tallaght
- York Street
- York Street
- Capel Street
Topics
Burglary Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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