‘Serious questions’ for Defence Forces over Crotty case

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he is not satisfied with how the Defence Forces have handled the case of a soldier who viciously assaulted a woman.

Cathal Crotty of Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, pleaded guilty to assaulting 24-year-old Natasha O’Brien on Limerick’s O’Connell Street causing her harm in May 2022.

Last week Crotty received a three-year suspended sentence for the attack that saw Ms O’Brien beaten unconscious.

The Defence Forces have said internal proceedings are under way following the court process.

In a statement last Friday, a Defence Forces spokesperson said when a serving member was in court for a civil offence, internal proceedings could not start until after a judge had rendered their sentence.

Speaking before a meeting of the Cabinet, the Taoiseach said: “There are people in the Defence Forces who clearly knew this was happening, why did they do nothing. These are very serious questions and as Taoiseach I am not satisfied in relation to this, I am not satisfied at all.

He also expressed anger at a “flurry of activity” by Defence Forces now, questioning whether it was prompted by the public interest in the case.

“It’s a harsh thing for me to have to say as Taoiseach but I feel I need to say it, would the Defence Forces be carrying out their review that they’re now carrying out was there not so much public interest in this,” he said.

“I am really angry about it because we are now seeing a flurry of activity but that flurry of activity is only coming about because of the bravery of Natasha O’Brien and I want to know how many other people are hiding with convictions in relation to domestic, sexual or gender-based violence. They have no place, absolutely no place, in the Defence Forces,” the Taoiseach added.

Mr Harris said he wants to meet Ms O’Brien after the ending of any further legal proceedings that may arise and commended her for coming forward.

Following the sentencing last week, Ms O’Brien said the “lack of justice is horrific” and claimed there was “a complete disregard for the gravity of Crotty’s actions”.

Thousands of people took part in protests around the country today to show their support for Ms O’Brien.