Soldier beats a woman unconscious, gets a great reference from his CO. Jailed after appeal

Link for what? Read what the judge said. Nowhere did he suggest/imply or say he was sparing Crotty jail because there were no prison spaces. He was clear as to why he suspended the sentence.

You’re either trolling or incapable of reading what the judge said.

Judge Tom O’Donnell, said Crotty’s actions on the night were “utterly appalling”.

The judge said he had “no doubt” that if he imposed an immediate jail sentence on Crotty, that his army “career is over”.

“He (Crotty) took pride in striking a defenceless female in what was a cowardly, vicious, unprovoked and totally unnecessary assault,” the judge said.

He said he had to “take into account” that Crotty had no previous convictions; Crotty’s army career; that Crotty pleaded guilty early, which eliminated the necessity for a jury trial and the prolonged use of Garda and court resources; and that a trial would have compounded Ms O’Brien’s trauma.

“In fairness to him (Crotty), he has come to court and publicly admitted his wrongdoing, and he has made a public acknowledgement of his criminality,” the judge said.

of course it’s the people more generally but I don’t think the State has been particularly kind to women since its inception. We have very poor visible policing, we have an alcohol culture that is not healthy, we have a defence forces which is not fit for purpose, we have a judiciary which is out of touch with reality, we have a culture of thugs in society who intimidate people, and the streets are not as safe as they should and could be.

You are just speculating that she nearly died. I haven't seen anything connected with the trial that suggested that this was the case.

What are you talking about, I've never engaged with anyone on that topic.

There was no trial, Francie. Very simple: that man could have killed Natasha with that vicious assault, and it’s not at all hyperbole or exaggeration to think this.

Again, no idea what you’re on about..

It’s been explained to you clearly that the judge did not jail Crotty due to a lack of prison spaces. Your incability of grasping this is on you.

This sentencing guidelines has nothing to do with my clear points to you.

By your logic that one punch could kill, any of the thousands of assault cases that happen in this country are attempted murder/manslaughter cases.

My logic nothing. I’m not talking about the 1000s of other assaults. And I’ve never mentioned manslaughter or attempted murder: I’m taking about Crotty’s assault: Your attempts to downplay this assault as hyperbole because people rightly have said (including the victim) that she could have been killed is shameful.

A woman battered unconscious by a brute of a man, who feared she was going to be killed, and who suffered serious injuries, including a severe concussion, and you come out with this guff about people exaggerating-using hyperbole in daring to suggest that she could have been killed.

Take a look at what you’re saying here. It’s bloody far from hyperbole to say she could have been killed.

The problem (as the Army would see it) is that the offence he committed was outside the Barracks against a Civilian, was dealt with in a Civilian court and therefore that's the end of the matter.

Of course with the current public and political outcry then he could be court martialled but they'd have to ensure they could make it stick.

He might be charged under section 154 of the DFR (Defence Force Regulations) of 1954 - Conduct Prejedicuce to Good Order and Discipline. (The catch all clause)

If Spike Island Army Prison was still open he'd get a few months there in the 'Digger' but I can only assume that it's in the Curragh Camp now - after that he'd be dishonorably discharged.

"Legally the courts martial procedure would be more sure footed and not lead to challenges, a number of sources have said. 

The military has its own independent judicial system in which
personnel found guilty of wrongdoing can be fined, summarily dismissed
and also sentenced to imprisonment. 

It is understood that the Defence Forces internal procedures do
contain a measure to deal with a soldier, like Crotty, convicted of an
offence in a civilian court. "

Nope, military courts deal with matters while on active service say, or while in uniform. In this case it would have no jurisdiction.

Unless he used a move solely taught and used by the military. Most people could probably do what he did without any training.

I used "double jeopardy" to reference that he can't be tried for the same offence twice if already convicted in a civilian court. Probably should have used double punishment or something.

Look I was in the military for years, scumbags like him shame us by association. I dread what that tribunal will find out as the army has a lot of dirty linen hidden away.

The thing with Crotty is tho it's in the public and there is only one outcome that will be acceptable. But I know guys who kept their job after being convicted of assault as well as some who were discharged. In this case it's not quite a lottery but.....

Apologies but I don't know how to break up a quote to reply to different parts lol

Saying something doesn't make it fact.

No idea what lies you are on about.

But there are regulations in place to deal with members of the defence forces who are convicted by a court.

Those regulations will decide what actions are taken against him.