In 2022, military private Cathal Crotty was convicted of severely attacking Natasha O’Brien in an unprovoked street incident in Limerick. She suffered a broken nose and lost consciousness due to his kicks, while Crotty gloated about the brutality to his online pals. Only upon presentation of the proof against him by the police did he admit guilt.
The damage he inflicted continues to affect her, yet he currently retains his position within the Defence Forces. Judge Tom O’Donnell found Crotty’s behaviour extremely deplorable but decided against incarceration in the recent verdict, taking into account its potential impact on the serviceman’s career path.
Crotty could have received a five-year imprisonment but instead, he exited the courtroom with a three-year probation sentence and the stipulation that he pays his victim €3,000.
Public disdain for the perceived leniency of the punishment grows as O’Brien reveals her experiences and the toll that the assault, sentencing and trial took on her. The formidable young lady is seeking a revision of Crotty’s punishment.
Tom O’Malley, a leading authority on sentencing in Ireland, an author, lawyer, and law professor, provided insight into the sentencing process, the variables involved, and the reasons behind the decision. He anticipates the likelihood of the Director of Public Prosecutions considering an appeal for the Crotty verdict.
The story was narrated by Bernice Harrison and brought to fruition by Aideen Finnegan as the producer.