Courts / Limerick / Report

Date set for Cathal Crotty suspended sentence appeal

Date
2024-12-02
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Limerick
County
Limerick

Summary

Cathal Crotty, a 22‑year‑old former soldier from Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, was given a three‑year suspended sentence by Limerick Circuit Criminal Court in June for an unprovoked attack on Natasha O'Brien on O'Connell Street in May 2022. Crotty, who was serving in the Defence Forces at the time, grabbed O'Brien by the hair, punched her to the ground, and continued to hold her hair while striking her face until she lost consciousness. O'Brien suffered a broken nose, bruising, nightmares and panic attacks. After the assault Crotty boasted on Snapchat that he had "two to put her down, two to put her out." He was discharged from the army in July. The Director of Public Prosecution has appealed the suspended sentence on the grounds of undue leniency. The appeal will be heard on 23 January, with counsel for Crotty applying for a second counsel, a request granted by Judge John Edwards. Cathal Crotty pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Date set for Cathal Crotty suspended sentence appeal. Charges or matters: carrying out an unprovoked attack on Natasha O'Brien on O'Connell Street in Limerick in May, 2022. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Case subjects

Cathal Crotty

Defendant

Charges: carrying out an unprovoked attack on Natasha O'Brien on O'Connell Street in Limerick in May, 2022 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Cathal Crotty (22), from Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, received a three-year suspended sentence at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court last June and was ordered to pay €3,000 in compensation after he pleaded guilty to carrying out an unprovoked attack on Natasha O'Brien on O'Connell Street in Limerick in May, 2022. The Director of Public Prosecution's appeal against the suspended sentence has been lodged on the basis of undue leniency.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Address Area
  • Limerick street
  • O'Connell Street
Residence
Court Venue
  • Limerick
  • Limerick Circuit Criminal Court
  • Court of Appeal

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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