Women of Honour say Defence Forces' handling of Crotty case 'beggars belief'

Crotty boasted about the attack on Snapchat.

The case sparked protests at the weekend, with thousands of people calling for stronger sentences and action to prevent violence against women.

Diane Byrne, a spokeswoman for the Women of Honour group, which has campaigned against abuses of female members of the Defence Forces, said the Crotty case highlights that the Defence Forces continue to be “tone deaf”.

Since Crotty’s sentencing last week, the Defence Forces said they “unequivocally condemn any actions by serving personnel that are contrary to or do not reflect our values”. A statement said:  

Any conviction in a civilian court may have implications for the retention and service of members of the Defence Forces, as stipulated in Defence Forces regulations.

“Once due process has been completed in a civilian court of law, it becomes a matter for the relevant Defence Forces authorities in accordance with Defence Forces regulations.

“We can confirm that these proceedings have commenced.”

However, Ms Byrne said action should have already been taken to dismiss Crotty to send a clear message of zero-tolerance and to stress the urgency of the matter, given that “confidence and recruitment in the Defence Forces is at an all-time low”. She said: 

Sadly, this case just illustrates the extent to which the Defence Forces still just don’t get it, despite their claims of cultural change.

“Surely his admission of guilt should have been the moment to act, and not until there was either a sentence or an outcry.”

The court heard Crotty had attacked Ms O’Brien after she and a friend asked him to stop shouting “faggot” at other people in the street.

Protests were organised in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick on Saturday, with criticism of Judge Tom O’Donnell after he told the court that, if he imposed a custodial sentence, Crotty’s army career would be over.

Ms O’Brien attended the protest in Limerick, saying the court had sent “a message” that men could attack women in public and not be jailed.

“It’s one thing to be the victim of a heinous crime at the hands of a man who has pledged to protect the citizens of Ireland, but it is another thing when the Department of Justice and the Defence Forces overlook it,” she said.