Cathal Crotty to be released early from prison after assault on Natasha O'Brien

Natasha O'Brien says she learned of Cathal Crotty's release through the media and renews criticism of systemic failures

Natasha O’Brien, who was beaten unconscious by ex-soldier Cathal Crotty, first heard about his planned early release in the media. File picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

Ex-soldier Cathal Crotty, who was jailed after brutally beating Natasha O’Brien unconscious in Limerick city, is to be freed early.

Crotty, 23, has served over a year and a half of a two-year sentence he received last January.