Ireland Case No. 2695Attempted murder (dropped), assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, production of a weapon · Co. Dublin · 1 Dec 2022
Man remanded in custody over knife attack on ex-partner in Dublin
On 1 December 2022, Philip Cox, 39, allegedly stabbed his ex-partner of 18 years, Cristal O'Brien, twice in the leg and chased her with three knives at their flat at York Street Flats, Dublin 2, after an argument. Cox was arrested on his discharge from Mater Hospital and charged with attempted murder, to which he pleaded not guilty, while pleading guilty to assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, and production of a knife. Two juries at the Central Criminal Court, in March and December 2024, failed to reach a verdict on the attempted murder charge. The State dropped the attempted murder charge in December 2024, and Cox was remanded in custody on 20 January 2025 awaiting sentencing on the remaining charges.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court5 Mar
11 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Philip Cox, 39 (reports differ: 40), originally from Tallaght Dublin, with an address at York Street Flats Dublin 2, allegedly stabbed his ex-partner of 18 years, Cristal O'Brien, twice in the leg and chased her with three knives.
- Where
- The attack took place at the victim's home at York Street Flats, Dublin 2.
- When
- The incident occurred on 1 December 2022, after Cox returned from a local pub at around 12:30am.
- Cause
- An argument broke out between Cox and O'Brien, who had been living apart since July 2022, after which Cox took a knife from the kitchen and threatened her.
- Weapon
- Cox used three large chopping knives during the incident, breaking two of them before retrieving a third.
- Investigation
- Cox was arrested for production of an article in the course of a dispute when discharged from Mater Hospital, and told gardaí he never intended to hurt O'Brien.
- Charges
- Cox was charged with attempted murder on 2 May 2023 and pleaded not guilty, while pleading guilty to assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, and production of a knife.
- In court
- A first jury at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Paul McDermott failed to reach a verdict in March 2024 after deliberating for seven hours and 33 minutes over three days.
- A second jury of eight men and four women before Mr Justice Tony Hunt failed to reach a verdict in December 2024 after deliberating for seven hours over three days.
- The DPP directed a nolle prosequi on the attempted murder charge on 18 December 2024, and Mr Justice Tony Hunt terminated the attempted murder matter.
- Sentence
- Cox was remanded in custody on 20 January 2025 on the remaining charges, with sentencing listed for 24 March 2025.
- Other details
- O'Brien sustained two stab wounds to her left thigh, a busted lip, bruising to her cheek and arms, and reported suffering severe anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD since the incident.
119 statements extracted from the articles
- whatPhilip Cox is 39, originally from Tallaght Dublin, with an address at York Street Flats Dublin 2 (rte.ie)
- whatThey had been living apart since July 2022 (rte.ie)
- whatCox told O'Brien she was drinking too much and turning into her mother (rte.ie)
- whatO'Brien left her flat and went out onto a balcony, and Cox followed her down a flight of stairs (rte.ie)
- whatCox told O'Brien if he got anyone out he would stab her to pieces (rte.ie)
- whatCox either kicked the back of O'Brien's leg or shoved her and she ended up on the ground (rte.ie)
- whatWhile O'Brien was on the ground Cox was trying to stab her and the knife broke off a wall (rte.ie)
- whatCox kicked O'Brien in the face twice and said he was going back to get another knife (rte.ie)
- whatCox started booting the door of O'Brien's flat and smashed the glass (rte.ie)
- whatCox stabbed O'Brien twice in her left thigh (rte.ie)
- whatParamedics told O'Brien there were two wounds (rte.ie)
- whatO'Brien's pyjamas were covered in blood and she was asking for an ambulance (rte.ie)
- whatO'Brien received stitches to her leg and a tetanus injection (rte.ie)
- whatO'Brien had a busted lip, bruising around her cheek and bruising to her arms (rte.ie)
- whatO'Brien was released from hospital later that morning (rte.ie)
- whatCox smashed the glass of McGrath's flat using the handle of the knife and put his hand through to open the door (rte.ie)
- whatO'Brien said Cox broke two knives before going to retrieve a third (thejournal.ie)
- whatNeighbour Alice McGrath said Cox declared he was going to kill his former partner (thejournal.ie)
- whatPhilip Cox is 39 years old (thejournal.ie)
- whatCox said he had a few drinks in a local pub on the night of the incident (thejournal.ie)
- whatThey had been together for 18-and-a-half years (thejournal.ie)
- whatCox had no previous convictions (thejournal.ie)
- whatThe complainant was stabbed twice in the leg. (irishtimes.com)
- whatA man stabbed his ex-partner. (extra.ie)
- whatCox knocked the phone out of O'Brien's hand and threw it away when she tried to call gardaí. (irishtimes.com)
- whatCox knocked O'Brien to the ground and tried to stab her after she ran down one flight of stairs. (irishtimes.com)
- whatCox stabbed O'Brien twice in the leg while she was sitting on the sofa. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe State dropped an attempted murder charge against a 40-year-old man. (rte.ie)
- whatThe accused was said to have twice stabbed his ex-partner and chased her with three different knives while threatening to kill her. (rte.ie)
- whatCox kicked O'Brien twice in the face and the knife broke. (irishtimes.com)
- whatCox was accused of twice stabbing his ex-partner of 18 years and chasing her with three different knives. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe attempted murder charge against Cox was dropped after a second jury failed to reach a verdict. (rte.ie)
- whatCox had pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Ms O'Brien at the flat complex on 1 December 2022. (rte.ie)
- whereCox is originally from Tallaght in Dublin (thejournal.ie)
- whereCox has an address at York Street Flats in Dublin 2 (thejournal.ie, rte.ie)
- whereThe attempted murder is alleged to have happened at a flat complex in Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
- whereMs O'Brien fled a neighbour's apartment where she had gone to hide from Mr Cox. (rte.ie)
- whereThe attack took place at the victim's home at a flat complex in Dublin 2. (irishtimes.com)
- wherePhilip Cox is originally from Tallaght, Dublin, with an address at York Street Flats, Dublin 2. (irishtimes.com)
- whereCox is originally from Tallaght, Dublin, and has an address at York Street Flats, Dublin 2. (irishtimes.com)
- whenCox returned from the pub just after midnight on 1 December 2022 (rte.ie)
- whenThe incident took place at the flat complex on 1 December 2022 (thejournal.ie)
- whenThe alleged attempted murder happened on 1 December 2022. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe alleged attack took place on 1 December 2022. (rte.ie)
- whenThe attack happened on December 1st, 2022. (irishtimes.com)
- whenOn the night of the attack, Cox finished work early, went to the pub across the road, and returned at around 12.30am. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe attack on the former partner happened on 1 December 2022. (rte.ie)
- whenThe incident occurred on 1 December 2022. (irishtimes.com)
- causeAn argument broke out between Cox and Ms O'Brien, after which Cox took a knife from a kitchen block and threatened her. (rte.ie)
- weaponCox took a large knife from the kitchen press and pointed it at O'Brien (rte.ie)
- weaponThe second knife also broke (rte.ie)
- weaponThe accused allegedly chased the complainant with three different knives. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponMs O'Brien said Mr Cox broke two knives during an attack and went to get a third. (rte.ie)
- weaponThe accused broke two knives during the attack. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponCox walked into the kitchen and picked up a large kitchen knife. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponThe second knife broke during the assault. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponCox used three different knives during the incident. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponThe three large knives used were chopping knives and were sharp. (rte.ie)
- investigationCox was arrested for production of an article in the course of a dispute when discharged from Mater Hospital (thejournal.ie)
- investigationThe accused was arrested for production of an article in the course of a dispute when he was discharged from hospital. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe accused told gardaí he never intended to hurt the victim and had no idea why he stabbed her twice in the leg. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationThe judge directed that a victim impact statement be prepared. (rte.ie, irishtimes.com)
- investigationCox told gardaí in interview that he never intended to kill Ms O'Brien. (rte.ie)
- chargeCox pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Cristal O'Brien on 1 December 2022 (rte.ie)
- chargeCox was charged with attempted murder on 2 May 2023 (thejournal.ie)
- chargeCox had pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and production of a knife (thejournal.ie)
- chargeThe accused has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe accused has already pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and production of a knife. (irishtimes.com)
- chargePhilip Cox pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Cristal O'Brien. (rte.ie)
- chargeCox had previously pleaded guilty to producing a knife, aggravated burglary and assault causing harm. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThe DPP directed that a nolle prosequi be entered, so the State will not proceed with the attempted murder charge. (rte.ie)
- chargeCox had pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and producing a knife. (rte.ie)
- chargeCox pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, and production of a knife. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial was before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of seven men and five women (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe trial was at the Central Criminal Court (thejournal.ie)
- courtThe trial is being heard at the Central Criminal Court before a jury of seven men and five women. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. (irishtimes.com)
- courtA jury was discharged at the Central Criminal Court after failing to agree a verdict. (rte.ie)
- courtThe trial was briefly disrupted when Mr Cox left the courtroom during Ms O'Brien's evidence. (rte.ie)
- courtThe prosecution said the accused had made his intentions absolutely clear on the night. (rte.ie)
- courtAfter deliberating for seven hours and 33 minutes over three days, the jury could not agree a verdict. (rte.ie)
- courtThe case was adjourned to 22 March to hear whether a retrial date is to be set. (rte.ie)
- courtThe accused had pleaded not guilty to attempted murder. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe accused has pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and producing a knife during the dispute. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe jury deliberated for seven hours and 33 minutes over three days before returning unable to reach a verdict. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe forewoman said the jury had not reached a verdict on which at least ten jurors agreed. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge told the forewoman to write 'Disagreement' next to the count on the issue paper. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge listed the matter for mention on March 22nd. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial is being heard at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of eight men and four women. (irishtimes.com)
- courtA second Central Criminal Court jury failed to reach a verdict. (rte.ie, irishtimes.com)
- courtA first jury failed to reach a verdict in the earlier trial in March. (rte.ie)
- courtThe jury deliberated for seven hours over three days. (rte.ie)
- courtThe judge remanded Cox in custody on the remaining counts until the sentence hearing. (rte.ie)
- courtThe State dropped the attempted murder charge against Philip Cox after a second jury failed to reach a verdict. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe jury of eight men and four women deliberated for seven hours over three days. (irishtimes.com)
- courtA jury also failed to reach a verdict in the first trial in March 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe sentence hearing on the remaining charges was listed for 20 January. (irishtimes.com)
- courtCox was remanded in custody on the remaining counts until the sentence hearing. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe State dropped the attempted murder charge against Philip Cox. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe first jury also failed to reach a verdict in March 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe second jury of eight men and four women deliberated for seven hours over three days. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe DPP directed a nolle prosequi on the attempted murder charge. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMr Justice Tony Hunt terminated the attempted murder matter. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe sentence hearing on the three guilty pleas was listed for 20 January. (irishtimes.com)
- courtCox was remanded in custody on the remaining counts. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceThe judge exempted the jurors from jury service for the next ten years. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceThe judge listed the sentence hearing for 20 January. (rte.ie)
- sentenceCox was remanded in custody until 24 March, when he will be sentenced. (rte.ie)
- otherThe accused told gardaí he never intended to hurt the complainant. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe man said he never had any intention of hurting her. (extra.ie)
- otherThe defence argued the evidence was consistent only with an intention to cause harm. (rte.ie)
- otherThe defence said the injuries were relatively minor and had no significant penetration or depth. (rte.ie)
- otherThe victim sustained two stab wounds to the leg. (irishtimes.com)
- otherA neighbour gave evidence that the accused said he was going to kill his former partner. (irishtimes.com)
- otherCristal O'Brien gave a victim impact statement to the court. (rte.ie)
- otherCox and Ms O'Brien had lived together in a flat at York Street for 18 years but had been separated for six months before the incident. (rte.ie)
- otherCox has no previous convictions and used to work as a barman in McNeill's Pub on Capel Street. (rte.ie)
- otherMs O'Brien said she has suffered severe anxiety, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder since the event. (rte.ie)
- otherThe judge said it will be problematic for Cox to return to work as a barman. (rte.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 20 Jan2025Man remanded over 'terrifying' attack on ex-partner
Reports the victim impact statement, the prosecution and defence submissions, the judge's comments and the remand to 24 March for sentencing. Adds the defendant's age (40), his barman job and lack of previous convictions, and the attack details given in evidence.
convicted, Philip Cox, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)Philip Coxvictim, Cristal O'Brien, female, irish (judged from name)Cristal O'Brien - 18 Dec2024Attempted murder charge against man who assaulted former partner with knife dropped
Reports the DPP's nolle prosequi on the attempted murder charge after the second hung jury (first hung jury was in March 2024). Cox remains in custody on three guilty pleas; sentence hearing set for 20 January 2025. Includes trial evidence from O'Brien and neighbour Alice McGrath describing the stabbing and threats.
victim, female, irish (judged from name)accused, Philip Cox, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)Philip Cox - 18 Dec2024Attempted murder charge against man who assaulted former partner with knife dropped
Reports the nolle prosequi (dropping) of the attempted murder charge after the second jury failed to reach a verdict, the DPP's direction, and the listing of a sentence hearing for 20 January on the remaining guilty pleas.
victim, female, irish (judged from name)accused, Philip Cox, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)Philip Cox - 18 Dec2024State drops attempted murder charge against Dublin man
Reports the DPP's decision to enter a nolle prosequi on the attempted murder charge, the second jury's failure to reach a verdict, the guilty pleas to the other three charges, and the sentence hearing date of 20 January.
accused, Philip Cox, 40, male, named, irish (judged from name)Philip Coxvictim, Cristal O'Brien, female, irish (judged from name)Cristal O'Brien - 10 Dec2024Woman tells attempted murder trial that ex-partner broke two knives during attack
Victim Cristal O'Brien gives detailed evidence of the attack, describing the argument, the knife threats, the stabbing of her leg twice, the breaking of two knives, and her escape with neighbour Alice McGrath before hiding behind a car until gardaí arrived.
victim, female, irish (judged from name)accused, Philip Cox, male, named, irish (judged from name)Philip Cox - 11 Mar2024Jury fails to reach verdict in attempted murder trial of man who twice stabbed ex-partner at her home
Reports that the jury could not reach a verdict after deliberations, that the judge directed a 'Disagreement' to be recorded and listed the matter for mention on March 22nd. Also gives details of the attack, the knives used and Cox's guilty pleas to lesser charges.
victim, Cristal O'Brien, female, irish (judged from name)Cristal O'Brienaccused, Philip Cox, 39, male, named, irish (judged from name)Philip Cox - 11 Mar2024Jury fail to agree verdict in attempted murder trial
Reports the jury was discharged after failing to reach a verdict, with the case adjourned to 22 March 2024 to decide on a retrial. Adds the prosecution and defence closing arguments and details of the trial evidence.
victim, Cristal O'Brien, female, irish (judged from name)Cristal O'Brienaccused, Philip Cox, 39, male, named, irish (judged from name)Philip Cox - 6 Mar2024Man Who Stabbed Ex-Partner Says He Never Had Any Intention Of Hurting Her, Court Hears
Article body is empty (website template code only); all information comes from the headline. No names, dates, or location details are provided.
victim, femaleaccused, male - 6 Mar2024Accused who twice stabbed partner said he never intended to hurt her
Trial report: the accused told gardaí he never intended to hurt the complainant, and he has pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, aggravated burglary and production of a knife arising from the same date and location. Closing speeches were expected on Thursday.
accused, Philip Cox, 39, male, named, irish (judged from name)Philip Coxvictim, Cristal O'Brien, female, irish (judged from name)Cristal O'Brien - 6 Mar2024Man who stabbed ex-partner twice says he never had any intention of hurting her, trial hears
Trial evidence from 6 March 2024: Cox's interview statements denying intent, O'Brien's testimony describing the attack, neighbour McGrath's evidence, details of the break-up, and confirmation that Cox had pleaded guilty to lesser charges while the trial continued before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
victim, Cristal O'Brien, female, irish (judged from name)Cristal O'Brienaccused, Philip Cox, 39, male, named, irish (judged from name)Philip Cox - 5 Mar2024Woman tells court man broke knives in terrifying attack
Detailed account of Cristal O'Brien's and Alice McGrath's testimony at the Central Criminal Court, including the sequence of the attack, the breaking of two knives, two stab wounds to the left thigh, injuries sustained, and the courtroom disruption when Cox left during O'Brien's evidence. Also includes Cox's statements to gardaí after being found smoking outside his home.
victim, Cristal O'Brien, female, irish (judged from name)Cristal O'Brienaccused, Philip Cox, 39, male, named, irish (judged from name)Philip Cox