CORK, IRELAND – A farmer in Ballyanly, Inniscarra, Co Cork has been sentenced to two and a half years in jail for assaulting his 64-year-old neighbor, Mary O’Brien Daly. Hugh O’Brien, 52, displayed disruptive behavior during his sentencing, leading to his removal from the courtroom.
O’Brien’s relentless verbal outbursts included accusations against a testifying garda and claims of false accusations against him. The assault on Mary O’Brien Daly left her with facial injuries, a mini-stroke, and ‘broken heart syndrome.’ The incident occurred when O’Brien arrived at her home, falsely accusing her of stealing his mother’s post over a 25-year period.
During the trial, O’Brien’s demeanor added to the severity of the attack, making it a sustained and unprovoked violent act. O’Brien’s neighbor stated that she felt his actions had shattered the peacefulness of her home after living there for over thirty years. She described the assault as a life-altering event that caused her a series of health issues within a short period of time.
Despite being a first-time victim of O’Brien’s violence, Mary O’Brien Daly expressed profound fear of the defendant and believes he would harm her again if given the chance. The court heard testimonies highlighting O’Brien’s history of aggressive behavior towards his neighbors, aggravating the circumstances of the case.
In a surprising display of defiance, O’Brien protested his conviction the moment the jury left the room. Judge Colin Daly issued a three-year sentence to O’Brien, with the final six months suspended due to family circumstances. The judge also warned O’Brien against any contact with the victim post his release, emphasizing the severity of the unprovoked attack on a vulnerable woman in her own home.
O’Brien’s continued unruly behavior during the sentencing hearing prompted his removal from the court. Despite his attempts to proclaim his innocence in a final statement via video link, the judge reiterated that the time for statements had passed and reminded O’Brien of his right to appeal the decision. The case shed light on the lasting impact of domestic violence and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions.