Politicians and Defence Forces told to ‘do your jobs’ as Crotty judge retires early

Earlier, Judge Tom O’Donnell said he would “exercise his right to silence” given current circumstances as he left the bench for the last time at Limerick Circuit Court on Tuesday. 

A protest outside Limerick Courthouse was organised for Wednesday, the day Judge O’Donnell was to retire. His decision to retire was made in the weeks before the case involving the assault on Ms O’Brien was heard in court.

Serving member of the Defence Forces, Cathal Crotty, was given a three-year suspended sentence in Judge O’Donnell’s court last week for attacking Ms O’Brien on a night out. 

In a statement, the Defence Forces said chief of staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy has directed a thorough review across all brigades and formations and a report is being prepared for Tánaiste  and Defence Minister Micheál Martin.

“The Defence Forces unequivocally condemns any actions by serving personnel that are contrary to military regulations or that do not reflect our values. The Defence Forces have been clear that there is no place for any form of gender-based violence, abuse, or any form or inappropriate behaviour by Defence Forces members, on or off duty,” it said.

Any member of the Defence Forces with a criminal conviction has “no right” to continue serving in the army, Taoiseach Simon Harris has said, adding that he wanted to know how many members of the Defence Forces were “hiding” criminal convictions.

Ms O’Brien received a standing ovation and applause from TDs in the Dáil chamber on Tuesday, ahead of the protest which took place outside Leinster House.

Ms O’Brien told Tuesday evening’s protest: “I sat up in the public gallery, I was looking down at the Taoiseach [Simon Harris] and the minister for justice [Helen McEntee], and [thought]: ‘What are you going to do, what are you going to do? I’m right here’.

“I’m going to keep doing that and they’re going to feel the pressure.”

Ms O’Brien said she felt a “little bit hopeful” after receiving so much support, and said she believed she had found a “purpose” in speaking up.

“I am not the first by a long way to speak up, and I know I’m not going to be the last, but if I can achieve anything with what I am doing right now it is to make it easier for the next person that something heinous and violent might happen to,” she said.