More than half of soldiers convicted of crimes still serving in Defence Forces
Troops convicted of offences including assault, robbery, and burglary in the past four years are still reporting for duty, new figures show
More than half of Defence Forces troops convicted of crimes under civil and military law over the past four years are still in the army.
Some 54 of 79 soldiers found guilty of a range of offences, including drugs, assault, robbery and burglary, are still serving.
In June, the Defence Forces’ chief of staff revealed that 68 members had been convicted or were before the courts. The information had been requested by Tanaiste Micheal Martin in the wake of Cathal Crotty’s convicton for assaulting Natasha O’Brien.
Crotty – who boasted of the sickening 2022 attack on Snapchat – was given a wholly suspended sentence but has since been booted out of the army. At the time, Taoiseach Simon Harris said any member of the Defence Forces with a criminal conviction should not remain in service.
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But data released under Freedom of Information shows that two of every three serving members convicted are still in the Defence Forces.
There have been eight convictions for assault since 2021, and three of these offenders continue to be members of the Defence Forces.
The figures show that one person was prosecuted for possession of an offensive weapon and is still serving. Two were convicted of burglary or robbery and both remain members. The Defence Forces said two members had been convicted of sexual assault, and one of those has already left the organisation.
They said: “[This other] individual has appealed their conviction and, as per An Tanaiste's direction, this individual has been put on special leave pending the outcome of their appeal.”
There were 16 prosecutions under military law with an even eight-eight split between members discharged and those who remain in the armed forces. In one case, a soldier was found guilty of sexual assault and conduct that would prejudice good order and discipline. They’re no longer serving.
A Defence Forces spokesman said it had been clear there was “no place for any form of gender-based violence, abuse or any form of inappropriate behaviour” by members on or off duty. He added: “The Defence Forces condemns any actions by serving personnel that are contrary to military regulations or that do not reflect our values.
“Any conviction in a civilian court may have implications for the retention and service of members of the Defence Forces.”
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