A 22-year-old Dublin man, Josh O’Brien, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for stabbing his ex-girlfriend, Niamh Kelly, 50 times. The brutal attack left her with permanent injuries, and the judge described the violence as “breathtaking,” calling her survival “nothing short of a miracle.”
A 22-year-old Dublin man, Josh O’Brien, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, Niamh Kelly, after stabbing her 50 times in a horrific assault that left her with life-changing injuries.
Josh O’Brien, of Walkinstown Avenue, Crumlin, Dublin 12, pleaded guilty earlier this year to the attempted murder of 21-year-old Niamh Kelly. The attack occurred on September 19, 2024, at Firhouse Road, Dublin 24.
During sentencing, Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring described the level of violence as “breathtaking” and called Kelly’s survival “nothing short of a miracle.” She said the young woman now faces challenges and limitations that will last a lifetime.
“All of this was avoidable. Those carefree days are gone, and what she has lost will never be returned,” the judge said.
The court heard that O’Brien, despite having no previous convictions, carried a knife for some time before the attack and has a history of mental health issues that were not addressed prior to the assault. The judge emphasized that relationships “should be based on love, respect, and trust — not manipulation, abuse, and violence,” noting that women are often the victims in such cases.
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Given the premeditation and severity of the attack, the judge initially imposed a 19-year sentence, later reduced to 15 years and six months with the final 18 months suspended due to O’Brien’s early guilty plea, cooperation with Gardaí, youth, and lack of prior convictions.
O’Brien was also ordered not to contact Ms Kelly for five years, including through social media or electronic messaging, and must comply with all probation service requirements.
Outside court, Kelly expressed mixed emotions. While she had hoped for a longer sentence, she said she was relieved that O’Brien “is not walking away and getting away with anything he’s done to me.” She continues her physiotherapy and uses a wheelchair for long distances, but she said she is determined to get stronger for her son.
“I’m grateful to be alive and to have the opportunity to stand here. I want to get stronger for my son,” Kelly said.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence in Ireland and has sparked renewed discussion about sentencing, survivor support, and protecting victims from further harm.
