Thousands of individuals rallied in Dublin and Cork, standing up for a woman who was brutally attacked by an Irish serviceman. Demonstrations spread nationwide following Cathal Crotty, an active member of the Irish Defence Forces, being let off with a three-year suspended term for assaulting Natasha O’Brien, after appearing in court.
Crotty, a 22-year-old residing at Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, confessed to attacking O’Brien in Limerick in 2022. Expressing disappointment with the court’s decision, Ms O’Brien felt betrayed by the legal system.
Judge Tom O’Donnell has also attracted criticism for his remarks in court, suggesting that a prison term would terminate Crotty’s military career. Many of the attendees of the protest on Saturday voiced their disapproval of the sentence’s suspension.
A large crowd converged at The Spire in Dublin’s central city, demanding an end to gendered violence and legal system reforms regarding such crimes. People of different sexes, ages and children held signs advocating justice for O’Brien and others affected by gender-oriented violence.
Protesters took to the streets, marching from The Spire on O’Connell Street to the Department of Justice at St Stephen’s Green. Rosa group spokesperson Ruth Coppinger stated that the court’s choice sparked national fury.
Ms Coppinger, who was present at the Dublin demonstration, noted, “The fact that he admitted to incredibly violent assault of a young woman that knocked her unconscious and has affected her life, her work and mental wellbeing for years, and received a suspended sentence, is in itself a clear message. His vocation was valued higher than the trauma inflicted on her, which sums everything up”.
She went on to point out the necessity to make society aware of the regularity of such occurrences. Coppinger highlighted that one-third of all rape trials result in partially or entirely suspended sentences, proving such outcomes are common. The public shock over this case, she believes, is largely due to Natasha voicing her experience and the assailant’s military position. Despite generating public attention, Coppinger laments that these instances are all too common.
Laura Fitzgerald, from Rosa organisation that coordinated the demonstrations, stated: “As per Women’s Aid, the previous year of 2023 saw an unprecedented spike in domestic violence revelations. This illustrates the rampant issue of domestic violence.”
Activist and women’s rights advocate, Ailbhe Smyth, expressed, “There will be numerous instances where we will find ourselves rallying or marching on Dublin streets to bring attention to the issue of violence against women. We’ve reached our breaking point. We absolutely cannot endure any more of it. It’s disheartening that a young woman, already traumatised and injured, had to express her inability to return to being who she was. Her courage to ensure it is not a recurring incident after going through the daunting court proceedings is commendable.”
In her remarks, Brid Smith, a TD from People Before Profit, shared, “A while ago, when I questioned a judge in the Dáil, it caused quite a stir. The Minister for Justice (Helen McEntee), the Ceann Comhairle, and the Taoiseach were all quick to remind me that it is not acceptable to question the judiciary. I faced severe criticism for my actions. The establishment sees questioning a judge as a grave offence. They are the ones appointing them, and because of this, we are bound to pass judgement on them. We will announce their judgement in the next election.”
Simon Harris, the Taoiseach, was among the people lauding Ms O’Brien for her bravery to speak out following her assault by Crotty. On questioned about the suspended sentence Crotty received, Mr Harris shared, “While I’m prevented from publicly discussing the court’s sentencing, I indeed have much to say. However, the legal process might not have run its course, as the DPP holds the power to appeal against a sentence and its leniency. It’s essential to tread cautiously under these circumstances. We still live in a country where gender-based violence is rampant.”
The Irish Defence Forces commented on social media on Friday, implying any member of the forces may face consequences to their status and service, depending on the outcome of proceedings in a civilian court. These potential implications are laid out in the Defence Forces Regulations. The statement clarified that these processes take place post the completion of all proceedings in a non-military court, following which decisions are dealt with by the competent Defence Forces authorities in compliance with the stated regulations. The Defence Forces confirmed that such processes have already begun, although they deemed further discussion on this specific case as non-conducive, since the proceedings were still underway. – PA