Dangerous Offender Lashes Out In Courtroom
A convicted rapist already serving multiple life sentences erupted in fury during a sentencing hearing after a brutal attack on a prison officer, issuing chilling threats and forcing the judge to cut his microphone. David O’Brien, 47, launched into a tirade in Manchester Crown Court as he was handed yet another life term—warning officials that “vengeance will be sweeter” and threatening to return to court in future “for something else.”
Series Of Attacks Behind Bars
O’Brien, who has already served time for two rapes and three attempted murders, was brought before the court over an incident at HMP Manchester in October 2022. Prosecutors said he deliberately led a prison officer out of view of CCTV cameras before arming himself with a sharpened weapon fashioned from cutlery. The officer was struck in the neck area, narrowly avoiding a more serious injury.
This was not O’Brien’s first violent act in custody. He previously attacked murderer Danny Fitzsimons with a metal bar during a workout session in Ashworth Hospital. In another case, he used a razor blade embedded in a toothbrush to slash a fellow inmate across the face. That victim required surgery after suffering a deep 12-centimetre wound to the cheek.
Court Descends Into Chaos
Appearing via video link from HMP Woodhill, a high-security prison in Milton Keynes, O’Brien repeatedly interrupted the hearing, swearing at the judge and prosecutor. As the court was reminded of his criminal history, he shouted, “Read them all out – I want to hear them all.”
When told he would be muted, he snapped: “Sentence me, I’m getting bored. Next time you sentence me it’s going to be for something else.” At one point, he told the court: “Hope every one of them dies of cancer… vengeance will be sweeter.”
His own barrister attempted to offer mitigation but was cut off by O’Brien, who declared: “I really don’t care… do what you are doing, make it worth it.”
Impact On Prison Officer
The prison officer targeted by O’Brien gave a powerful victim impact statement, describing life after the attack as a nightmare. He said he suffers from flashbacks, night terrors, and struggles to be close to others—even at home. The trauma has left him withdrawn and unable to enjoy his personal life, despite continuing to work inside the prison system.
“I only leave the house for work or when my partner prompts me,” the statement read. “I used to be outgoing, but now I’m tired, irritable, and anxious all the time.”
Judge Labels Him A Long-Term Threat
Sentencing him to a further life term with a minimum of four and a half years, Judge Nicholas Dean KC said O’Brien had made premeditated threats during both the trial and the hearing, showing no remorse. The judge called the attack an act of revenge and described O’Brien as a dangerous individual with a high likelihood of reoffending.
The court ordered a full recording of the hearing to be passed on to prison authorities for risk assessment when O’Brien is next considered for parole.
