his superior officer told the court that the 22-year-old is an ‘exemplary’ and ‘professional’ officer… It appeared he had lashed out at Ms O’Brien (24) after she and a friend of hers had “politely” asked him to stop shouting “removed” at other people on the street, the court heard… Hours after the attack Crotty boasted to friends on Snapchat: “Two to put her down, two to put her out”, in reference to striking Ms O’Brien four times.

“The physical injuries I sustained were devastating; a severe concussion, a broken nose, severe swelling, and bruising on both arms, shoulders, head, right upper thigh, left eye, cheek and jaw.”

Asking the court not to jail Crotty, the barrister said: “He (Crotty) is at a cross roads in his life, and a custodial sentence will have very serious consequences for his life and his career.”

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 could have got five years, the judge didn’t want to ruin his life. “Crotty faces the prospect of his suspended jail sentence being activated in its entirely should he reoffend within the next three years.”

The victim said: “The lack of justice is horrific, in spite of the seriously appalling cold hard evidence. There was a complete disregard for the gravity of Crotty’s actions.”

Ms O’Brien said that, in her opinion, the court “was utterly sympathetic to Crotty, commending him on his guilty plea” and that it had explained that “a full sentence would destroy his career in the Irish defence forces”.