The aftermath of the conviction and sentencing of Army Private Cathal Crotty following his unprovoked, violent attack on Natasha O’Brien in 2019 in the heart of Limerick city still evokes a sense of uncertainty. Crotty’s suspended sentence not only aggravated public outrage but could also have profound implications. While some harbour hopes this will hold true, others remain understandably skeptical due to the dismal performance of some State bodies with regard to gendered violence.
In the interim, disciplinary proceedings are ongoing, likely leading to Crotty’s expulsion from the Defence Forces. Concurrently, the office of the Director for Public Prosecutions is evaluating a potential appeal against the leniency of Judge Tom O’Donnell’s verdict. These actions will run their due course, but they won’t put a stop to the discussions ignited around the broader issues or circumvent the valid criticism of both the judicial system and military authorities.
Court records reveal a worrisome trend of leniency in issuing custodial sentences for men who have committed violent crimes against women. A host of factors are contributing to this, for instance, the emphasis placed on a guilty plea, worry over how a jail sentence could adversely affect the offender’s employment and future prospects, and whether the offender has a clean record. In theory, all these factors are valid mitigating circumstances during sentencing. However, the reality is a gross number of violent aggressors exiting courtrooms as free men, which is utterly unjustifiable. It is not surprising that many attribute this to class and gender bias.
This viewpoint reverberates in the Defence Forces case. In the same week that an inquiry was initiated to investigate sexual abuse and discrimination allegations within the ranks, questions about its lackadaisical approach towards serving members convicted of gendered violence have now surfaced. Confidence will hardly be boosted by reports of an emergency meeting of senior officers to handle the issue over the weekend or suggestions that several convicted individuals continue to serve in the organisation.
In just a matter of days, Natasha O’Brien has risen to prominence as an eloquent supporter of significant change, resonating with multitudes nationwide. She has profoundly depicted the skewed dynamics that victims encounter within the justice system, and has justifiably expressed her outrage at the incidents occurred last week. She’s calling for a profound overhaul of the system. She rightfully earns tremendous commendation, though she should never have been thrust into this situation by a system and infrastructure that often seem deliberately ignorant of violence against women. Her viewpoints mustn’t be sidelined.