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

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.

The judge said he had “no doubt” that, if he imposed an immediate jail sentence, his army “career is over”.

Cathal Crotty, of Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Clare, punched 24-year-old Ms O’Brien six times, knocking her unconscious in a random street attack. He then boasted on social media: “Two to put her down, two to put her out."

Ms O'Brien told the Irish Examiner: “I am just completely fueled by my outrage for the message this suspended sentence sends.

“Future felons have now received encouragement that violence is ok, homophobia is ok, and that it is unlikely they will suffer consequences for crimes of similar severity.

"The message this sends to victims of crimes is that they are not important, and that the futures of convicted criminals are more important."

She added: "When I left court, I felt so invisible. I felt just so absolutely neglected, just so thrown away by the justice system, and I would not wish that feeling on anyone."

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.

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

In his inauguration speech as Limerick's first directly-elected mayor, John Moran spoke of his vision for a safer Limerick in light of the attack on Ms O’Brien.

“I think we all want a city and county that is safe. It’s going to be a huge priority for me to really get on top of that issue,” he said.

The chair of Women’s Aid, Sarah Benson, said: "The record is clear: A man who was — and currently still is — a serving member of the Defence Forces can brutally attack a woman in public view, gloat about it on social media,  and attempt to blame the victim yet be referred to in court as ‘exemplary’, ‘polite’, and ‘professional’. One cannot square that circle."

Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin confirmed that the Defence Forces has launched an internal process to deal with Crotty. Mr Martin also praised Ms O’Brien.

“It was vicious,” Mr Martin said. “It was unprovoked, and I want to commend the bravery, the courage, and the dignity of Natasha O’Brien in the face of such an assault, and for the way in which she has conducted herself since."

While he and several other senior politicians would not be drawn on whether the sentence was too lenient, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "Let me say this: The legal process may not be concluded because it is absolutely always open to the DPP to appeal a sentence and also to appeal the leniency of a sentence. 

"We are living in a country where there is still an epidemic of gender-based violence," Mr Harris said.