WATCH: Soldiers 'supposed to protect us' - Attack victim Natasha O'Brien speaks at protest

A Limerick woman beaten in a random attack by Irish soldier Cathal Crotty has expressed her thanks to supporters. 

Crowds gathered in Limerick City Centre for a demonstration to protest Natasha O'Brien's attacker being given a fully suspended sentence after pleading guilty to beating her unconscious. 

Crotty (22) - who reportedly boasted about the 2022 attack on social media - received the suspended sentence on Thursday (June 20). 

Speaking to the gathered crowd in Limerick, O'Brien - who sustained horrific injuries in the attack - said she was "overwhelmed" by the solidarity of supporters. 

She said, "Without your outrage, your fear, your horror, this would not have been looked at. What's happened to me has happened to so many." 

O'Brien - who has called for Crotty's dismissal from the Irish Army - said the Defence Forces "are supposed to protect us" and criticised the Department of Justice for "looking the other way". 

She said, "I should not have to face my attacker and bare my soul to Judge Tom O'Donnell to be told I should be happy he took the guilty plea. I should be happy he said sorry because he was caught!" 

According to the Journal, Crotty was paraded before a senior commanding officer yesterday (Friday June 21), and was reortedly informed that he may be dismissed from the military in the wake of his conviction. 

In a statement posted on X, the Defence Forces confirmed that proceedings had commenced against Mr Crotty, who presently serves as a private, however stated it would be "inappropriate" for them to comment any further at this time.

"We wish to address the conversation that is currently taking place on social media, as we are an organisation committed to honesty and transparency," they stated.

"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." 

Natasha O’Brien addresses the thousands who have gathered at a demonstration in Limerick city centre.

Soldier Cathal Crotty received a fully suspended sentence after pleaded guilty to beating Ms O'Brien unconscious in a random street attack. pic.twitter.com/bX3RZr1Lzn

— Limerick Leader / Limerick Live (@Limerick_Leader) June 22, 2024