The Irish police are launching an inquiry into an intimidation letter sent to the residence of serviceman Cathal Crotty in County Clare. Crotty, who is 22 years old, was recently handed a wholly suspended three-year sentence for an unwarranted attack on 24-year-old Natasha O’Brien in Limerick city on May 29th, 2022. The judge’s choice to avoid incarcerating Crotty incited protests and ignited a political storm. He may also face expulsion from the military due to this.
Tánaiste and Defense Minister Micheál Martin has engaged a senior attorney to conduct a detailed, independent review of cases involving Defence Forces staff who have either been convicted or are currently facing the courts.
The police are looking into the unidentified threatening letter, stamped in Dublin, which was sent to Crotty’s family home in Ardnacrusha last Wednesday. A representative reported that the authorities were “conscious of a letter received at a household in County Clare in July 2024,” and that “an investigation is underway”.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has appealed against the sentence handed out by Judge Tom O’Donnell. Ms. O’Brien has expressed her revulsion towards the attack on her and the comments made during the sentencing.
During the trial, Ms. O’Brien reported that she had “politely” requested Crotty to desist from directing homophobic slurs at people. However, he assaulted her instead. The court in Limerick heard that he had struck her in the face and head, continuing his attack even when she was nearly unconscious on the ground.
After the assault, Crotty boasted about his actions to his friends on social media, stating: “Two to put her down, two to put her out.” The judge rebuked the “cowardly” attack but credited Crotty for his admission of guilt, stating that he was “undoubtful” that should Crotty be imprisoned, his career in the Defence Forces would be “finished.”