The Defence Forces has praised the bravery of Natasha O’Brien who exposed soldier, Cathal Crotty, as the man who beat her unconscious in an unprovoked random attack in Limerick City two years ago.
READ MORE - Soldier who boasted after beating woman unconscious walks free as brave victim says: 'That's not justice'Crotty was given a three-year jail term which was fully suspended and he walked free. Sentencing judge Tom O'Donnell said he had to balance the “appalling” assault with Crotty’s previous good behaviour, his early guilty plea, and that a conviction would, in the judge’s opinion, certainly end his army career.
“Any conviction in a civilian court may have implications for the retention and service of members of the Defence Forces, as stipulated in Defence Forces Regulations. Crotty’s superior at Sarsfield Army Barracks, Limerick, Commandant Paul Togher, told Crotty’s sentencing hearing that Crotty’s conduct in the forces had always been “exemplary” “disciplined” and “professional” and Crotty had always been “courteous” in his dealings with the senior ranking officer.He said he was “exceptionally disappointed“ in Crotty, and “surprised” by his “very out of character” behaviour.