Outraged Limerick assault victim feels suspended sentence sends the message that 'violence is ok'

There has been an outpouring of anger since Ms O’Brien spoke out about the case, with Justice Minister Helen McEntee saying there is an 'epidemic' of violence against women

Natasha O'Brien, 24 , said that she felt 'so absolutely neglected' after leaving the courthouse.

The victim of a soldier who got a suspended jail term after beating her unconscious has said the sentence encourages would-be attackers that "violence is ok, homophobia is ok, and it is unlikely they will suffer consequences".

Natasha O’Brien said she is outraged after Judge Tom O’Donnell, in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, gave her attacker Cathal Crotty, aged 22, a suspended sentence.