Man (22) pleads guilty to attempting to murder his former girlfriend

Fiona Magennis

A 22-year-old man has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of his former girlfriend in Dublin last year.

At a brief arraignment at the Central Criminal Court on Tuesday afternoon, 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.

Defence senior counsel Michael O’Higgins 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.

However, he asked the court to put the sentencing back to a date in October to allow time for an updated report which he said would hopefully provide a clearer picture on the progress of her recovery.

Vincent Heneghen SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said the State had no difficulties with this 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 and adjourned the matter to October 6th.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Women’s Aid (24-hour freephone helpline at 1800-341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Men’s Aid Ireland (confidential helpline at 01-554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information.