Defence Forces only sought power to suspend members facing criminal trial two weeks ago

Fury at revelation that Defence Forces only asked for that power after the outcry about soldier who attacked Natasha O'Brien in Limerick

Cathal Crotty, (22), with an address at Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, was officially discharged from the Defence Forces on Thursday. Tánaiste Micheál Martin told Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns he has instructed the Defence Forces to put on local leave all personnel facing criminal charges on a without-prejudice basis.

The Defence Forces only asked for the power to suspend members pending a criminal trial two weeks ago after an assault case involving a soldier sparked public outcry.

The fact that the request only came after Cathal Crotty received a suspended sentence for an unprovoked and violent attack on a woman in Limerick has been described as “shocking and deeply concerning”.