Plans to protest at Limerick courthouse on day Crotty judge retires

Protesters gather in Dublin in solidarity with Natasha O'Brien who was attacked by Cathal Crotty, a serving member of the Defence Forces. A protest will be held outside Limerick courthouse on Wednesday as the judge who suspended the sentence retires.

A protest is planned for outside Limerick courthouse on Wednesday as the judge who suspended sentences for Defence Forces members who seriously assaulted women, leaving one maimed, retires.

Judge Tom O’Donnell fully suspended sentences for soldier Cathal Crotty and naval officer David O’Gorman, at trials held almost a year apart, after they brutally beat women in separate attacks.

The judge’s retirement date was set before the Crotty trial was heard and is unconnected to the trial.

In 2020, heavyweight boxer David O’Gorman beat a former girlfriend until her eye was dislocated, leaving her needing reconstructive surgery. A court heard last year that O’Gorman, who has boxed for the Irish Navy, punched her multiple times in the head with both hands at her home in an attack described by prosecutors as “ferocious”.

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin requested a report from the Defence Forces chief of staff yesterday into the O’Gorman case after learning that he is still serving as a petty officer.

The Tánaiste was made aware of this case on Friday and an initial briefing report has been provided, the Department of Defence said.

“The chief of staff is preparing a full report on this matter at the request of the Tánaiste,” it said.

Rosa Socialist Feminist Movement is urging people to attend Wednesday's protest at 1pm outside Limerick Courthouse on Mulgrave St against what they say is a “misogynistic judicial system”.

It comes following public outcry after serving soldier Crotty walked free from that court last week after beating Natasha O’Brien unconscious in an unprovoked attack in Limerick in 2022.

He later boasted about the attack on social media.

Judge O’Donnell called the attack “appalling” but fully suspended his three-year sentence, noting Crotty’s guilty plea, his lack of previous convictions and that a custodial sentence could end his army career.

The Defence Forces has now initiated disciplinary proceedings for Crotty that could result in his removal from the military.

Stefanie Di Croce of Rosa said that Wednesday's protest is important to show solidarity with survivors and victims of violence.

“No victims, no survivors should feel alone,” Ms Di Croce said.

“And this isn’t just a once-off this is actually a systemic issue. And when these rulings come from the highest levels, when they come from the court, the message is clear from the top down. It condones these acts of violence.”