In a recent court appearance, a convicted rapist made threatening remarks as he was sentenced to life imprisonment for attempting to stab a prison officer. David O’Brien, who is already serving three life sentences for previous attempted murders, was brought before Manchester Crown Court for the latest attack. The 47-year-old admitted to trying to murder fellow inmate Danny Fitzsimons at Ashworth Hospital in Maghull by attacking him with a metal bar during a gym session. Additionally, O’Brien confessed to assaulting another inmate, Peter Harris, by cutting his neck with a makeshift weapon crafted from a toothbrush and razor blade.
During the court proceedings, O’Brien, who appeared via videolink from HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, shouted threatening remarks towards the victim, a serving officer, prompting the judge to warn him about his behavior. The prosecutor detailed how O’Brien armed himself in the prison kitchen and then attacked the officer, causing a minor injury to the neck.
In a victim impact statement, the officer described the profound impact the incident had on his life, leading to fear, anxiety, nightmares, and relationship strain. O’Brien’s extensive criminal record, including convictions for rape, robbery, and previous attempted murders, was also highlighted in court.
Despite the defense attorney’s attempt to mitigate the circumstances by mentioning O’Brien’s diagnosed personality disorder, O’Brien disregarded the defense and made further threatening remarks towards the court. The judge, recognizing O’Brien as a dangerous offender, sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of four-and-a-half years before eligibility for parole consideration. Additionally, the judge ordered a record of the hearing to be sent to the prison, emphasizing O’Brien’s threats and behavior for future reference.