'I am saddened for him' - Cathal Crotty solicitor defends judge in Natasha O'Brien assault case

The solicitor who represented disgraced soldier Cathal Crotty in the court case that has dominated news cycles for the last week has spoken out in support of Judge Tom O’Donnell who presided over the case.

His decision to impose a suspended sentence on the Clare soldier who viciously assaulted Natasha O’Brien has been widely criticised, with the victim saying after the verdict, “This is not justice”.

Solicitor Sarah Ryan said there has not been an avenue for the right of reply by the person being spoken of, and some of the words used to describe the decision made have “the capacity to put his safety at risk”. 

The judge, who retires this week, was due to have a farewell event in Limerick Circuit Court on Wednesday with a number of speeches planned. However, this was cancelled on Monday. There were muted speeches on Tuesday afternoon as he left the bench for the last time. 

A protest by Rosa - the Socialist feminist movement against sexism, oppression, inequality and capitalism did take place this Wednesday afternoon and was attended by Ms O’Brien.

Ms Ryan said having represented clients before Judge O'Donnell (pictured above) at Limerick District and Circuit Courts for almost 20 years, “I am saddened for him, and his family, that his decision in a case determined by him in the final week of his judicial career has become the subject of criticism in the manner we have witnessed since last week”. 

“That a judicial decision is the subject of criticism is not new, and I have not seen or heard of any agency or body seeking to discourage or stifle individual opinions. The manner in which the criticism has been expressed is, in many respects, a new development. I am surprised at what has been, in my opinion for what that is worth, a disregard for fairness, balance, and dignity by some elements of the media,” said Ms Ryan, in a statement.

“I recognise that commentary is healthy, and debate must be protected within a democracy but there must surely be a responsibility on persons enjoying public platforms to speak in terms that are dignified, factual, and at a minimum cautious to the influence their words may have on people listening to them. 

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“As a solicitor who has appeared before Judge O'Donnell (pictured above) for almost two decades I am disappointed at some of the commentary in the public domain that has labelled an inherently decent, polite, and conscientious man to be many things that he has not shown himself to be in the almost two decades I have known him in both courts. I have had the benefit that many commentators have not had, in that I have seen him at his work for a long time,” said Ms Ryan (pictured below).

The solicitor said for many years the work of Limerick District Court went on late into the night, and involved what can be described only as huge lists. 

“In my experience of these court sittings, being present along with court staff, gardai, prison officers, and probation officers the work of the court was attended to by Judge O'Donnell with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, patience, and fairness. 

“From my observations Judge O'Donnell did not treat defendants or practitioners differently in any way whatsoever, including based on gender. All persons appearing in his court were treated with respect, and afforded all dignity even when it appeared that his limit of patience should have been exhausted, this did not happen. 

“Respect and dignity remained the hallmarks of Judge O'Donnell's court, whether it be the district or circuit court. I was not ever in doubt that his decisions were made following much thought, conscientiously, and only after careful consideration of the information before the court,” said Ms Ryan.

Judge O'Donnell, while assigned to the district court, heard the family law list, she said.

“And here too demonstrated compassion, empathy and huge understanding while at the same time not being afraid to make decisions that by objective analysis were tough calls. 

“I extend to Judge O'Donnell, and his family, every good wish for the years ahead,” concluded Ms Ryan.