
Man pleads guilty to attempted murder of former girlfriend in Dublin
Dublin
last year.
At an arraignment hearing at the
Central Criminal Court
on Tuesday, Josh O'Brien, of Walkinstown Avenue, Crumlin, Dublin 12, replied 'guilty' to the attempted murder of Niamh Kelly at Firhouse Road, Firhouse, Dublin 24 on September 19th, 2024.
Michael O'Higgins SC, for the accused, told the court the injured party in this case was O'Brien's girlfriend at the time.
He said Ms Kelly is receiving ongoing treatment for her injuries and a report on those injuries has been obtained.
READ MORE
However, he asked the court to put the sentencing back to a date in October to allow time for an updated report. He said he hoped this would provide a clearer picture on the progress of Ms Kelly's recovery.
Vincent Heneghen SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said the State had no difficulties with the defence's request.
Mr O'Higgins said he was also seeking a psychological report for his client, who has no previous convictions.
Mr Justice Paul McDermott directed that a probation report and victim impact statement be prepared. He adjourned the matter to October 6th.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Irish Times
16 minutes ago
- Irish Times
Dublin Bus driver beaten with metal object during ‘random' daylight attack, court hears
A Dublin Bus driver was beaten to the back of the head with punches and a metal object during a 'random and unprovoked' daylight attack on a street in the capital, a court has heard. Romanian national Ionut Christian Biraz (39), of no fixed address, arrived in Ireland three months ago. He was charged with assault causing harm to the 63-year-old driver, who was walking at the time on Beresford Place, near the Custom House, in the city centre. Mr Biraz is also charged with producing a weapon during the incident at about 2pm on Tuesday. He was refused bail after appearing before Judge Brennan at Dublin District Court on Wednesday. READ MORE Garda Katherine Ward cited a flight risk, Mr Biraz's lack of ties to the State, the seriousness of the case and fears for public safety. She alleged Mr Biraz used a metal implement and attacked the driver in a random and unprovoked manner. She said the Dublin Bus driver had been walking home after his shift and was 'struck in the back of the head with a metal article, 12 inches in length, from behind'. The contested bail hearing was told that before the victim registered what had occurred, he was punched again to the back of his head from behind, which caused him to fall to the ground. The court heard several people were on the street at the time, and the officer said it was fortunate that gardaí were in the immediate area. Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions must be obtained, and an additional charge could be brought, the court heard. It will be recommended that the case proceed to the Circuit Court, which can impose lengthier sentences. Garda Ward cited the level of aggression and violence used, adding that gardaí had to use pepper spray to arrest him. Garda Ward said the driver suffered swelling to his head and neck and significant emotional distress, and was 'quite shook up' afterwards. The article used to strike him was seized. She agreed with defence solicitor Eoin Lysaght that Mr Biraz had the presumption of innocence.. In response to the garda's belief the accused was planning to leave the country, Mr Lysaght said his client has no means after losing his job due to having no PPS number. Judge Brennan did not accept he was a flight risk, but refused bail on the other grounds. Mr Biraz, who listened to the proceedings with the help of an interpreter, was granted legal aid. The judge directed that he should get medical attention in custody. He will appear again at Cloverhill District Court on Thursday.


Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
Man charged in connection with bid to kill senior PSNI detective to be released on bail
A man charged in connection with the dissident republican bid to kill a senior PSNI detective is to be released on bail, a High Court judge ruled today. Liam Robinson (45) is accused of involvement in moving a car used in the attempted murder of John Caldwell in Omagh, Co Tyrone . Prosecutors also claimed he helped recover another vehicle following an earlier failed effort to assassinate the policeman. Mr Caldwell was shot and seriously wounded in front of his son just after he finished coaching a youth football team at sports facilities in Omagh on February 22nd, 2023. READ MORE Two men wearing dark waterproof clothing opened fire on the off-duty officer, who has since retired from the PSNI on medical grounds, striking him several times. The would-be killers made their getaway in a Ford Fiesta, fitted with false number plates and later found burnt out, before switching to another car. Although the New IRA claimed responsibility for attempting to kill Mr Caldwell, detectives believe other criminal factions joined forces with the terror grouping to target someone regarded as a joint enemy. Robinson, of Ardstewart in Stewartstown, Co Tyrone, has been charged with preparation of terrorist acts and perverting the course of justice. In a circumstantial case, Crown counsel claimed he can be linked to two separate incidents where Mr Caldwell was targeted. The court heard that a previous attempt to kill the policeman three weeks before the shooting failed because he was not at the sports complex. An Audi A6 car believed to have been part of that unsuccessful operation was later moved by a recovery lorry from a location in Coalisland. Based on CCTV and telephone evidence, it was claimed that Robinson assisted in moving the vehicle. He also allegedly transported another suspect from Tyrone to Belfast to collect one of two Ford Fiestas which featured in the later attack on Mr Caldwell. Counsel claimed Robinson could then be linked to an area at an industrial estate where another 'operational vehicle' was set on fire following the shooting. A further part of the case relates to alleged 'walk and talk' meetings to discuss plans with other suspects, the court heard. Robinson denies any involvement in the events surrounding the murder plot. Defence lawyers have stressed he is not accused of taking part in the shooting of Mr Caldwell or being in Omagh at the time of the attack. With other co-accused already released from custody, Madam Justice McBride granted bail on strict conditions. She prohibited Robinson from contact with any other suspects and directed that a £5,000 cash surety must be lodged.


Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Irish Times
Man (20s) dies after single-vehicle collision in Cork
A man in his 20s has died following a single-vehicle collision in Co Cork this morning. The incident occurred at about 6.50am on the M8 in Glanmire. The man was brought by ambulance to Cork University Hospital and was pronounced dead this afternoon. The road was closed as Garda forensic investigators remained at the scene. READ MORE Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has camera footage of the area between 6.40am and 7.15am is asked to contact gardaí. There have been 108 deaths on roads in the State so far this year, according to Garda figures.