Micheál Martin confirms Defence Forces probe into soldier who beat Limerick woman

The Tánaiste also said: 'I want to commend the bravery, the courage and the dignity of Natasha O’Brien in the face of such an assault'

Defence Forces soldier, Cathal Crotty, (centre) beat Ms O’Brien unconscious in a random street attack, and boasted about it afterwards on social media.

The Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin has condemned unequivocally the violent and vicious assault on Natasha O’Brien by a serving Irish soldier and confirmed that the Defence Forces has launched an internal process to deal with her attacker.

Cathal Crotty, 22, of Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, beat Ms O’Brien unconscious in a random street attack, and boasted about it afterwards on social media. He walked free from a court on Wednesday after getting a fully suspended sentence.