EXCLUSIVE: First photo of horrific injuries sustained by young woman viciously assaulted by soldier in Limerick

THE YOUNG woman who was the victim of a "vicious", unprovoked attack in Limerick city at the hands of a soldier has shared a photo of her horrific injuries with Limerick Live.

Natasha O’Brien, 24, sustained a broken nose, concussion, swelling and bruising during the attack on O’Connell Street, Limerick on May 29, 2022.

The photograph was taken in the emergency department of University Hospital Limerick hours after the incident.

On Wednesday, Limerick Circuit Court heard that Ms O’Brien was walking home at around 1.30am after working in The Black Rabbit pub when she was attacked. 

Cathal Crotty, aged 22, of Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Ms O’Brien on the date in question. 

'This is not justice': Limerick woman's anger as soldier who 'viciously' attacked her gets suspended sentence

'Memory of that vicious, sinister look in his eyes as he approached me will haunt me forever'

The case has attracted huge media attention over the past 24 hours with many people voicing their "disgust" at the ruling by presiding judge, Tom O'Donnell, who imposed a three-year prison sentence which he suspended in full.

Mr Crotty was ordered to pay compensation of €3,000 by way of general damages with no prejudice to any civil damages.

The Limerick Live office has received a number of phone calls from people across the country this Friday expressing their anger at the ruling by the judge.

There has been a swell of outrage across the nation and the case has been the subject of headlines and long discussions on the national media including RTE's Liveline and The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk.

Meanwhile, ROSA, the Socialist Feminist Movement, have organised a demonstration this Saturday, June 22 at 3pm on Bedford Row, the details of which have been widely shared across social media platforms this Friday by members of the public. 

"The patriarchal justice system makes its priorities clear again, abusers' livelihoods mean more than women’s lives. Protest the culture of impunity that perpetuates male violence against women this Saturday at 3pm on Bedford Row," ROSA stated in their press release.