Soldier beats a woman unconscious, gets a great reference from his CO. Jailed after appeal

Seems very apparnet in this case. But not all cases. Plenty times we get it right and we dish out justice. There are some wonderful people doing this country a great service in the justice system. But, at times I feel there are some really bizarre and poor calls made. Overall I would have to say we are too soft on serious crime. Much too soft. And it's a huge reason why scumbags continue to commit serious crime

The Army needs to court martial Pvt. Crotty forthwith or the top Brass will be hauled over the coals by the politicians who see the public outrage at this case.

Wondering how long it would be before someone brought up asylum seekers. People just cant help themselves. Let's just discuss this case without bring up external nonsense.

Every Judge in every juristriction will give leniency for a guilty plea, it's not because they want to but because they have to.

A guilty plea saves the state enourmous money and time and if a Judge does not acknowledge this with a more lenient sentence than the maximum allowed the defendant will have the sentence overturned on appeal.

The injustice in this case is the Judge was far too lenient in the sentence he imposed, his suspending the entire sentence imposed was ridiculous and his attitude towards the victim was abbhorrent.

Yes, I understand he may not have gotten the max sentence

Here's one for legal eagles: does a guilty plea absolutely mean you CANNOT receive the max sentence, or can a judge use discretion and still apply a max sentence?

In murder a guilty plea still means a "mandatory" life sentence…just one I thought of. Only sentence available, so little different I guess

What were the lads who were with this scumbag doing while he assaulted this lady???

Huh?

A number of points arise.

1. The DF could not take any action while the case was before the courts. Now as the case has been dealt with the DF can take action.
2. As regards the officer who gave the reference, a colleague here at work was in the PDF. His view is that the officer was not his CO but his company CO, by virtue of his rank. This matter would have been referred by the CO to Brigade HQ and further up the command structure. The officer would simply have looked at his personal file, spoken to some of the NCOs and had his own experience to rely on. And discussed amongst the officers. At the moment, I have to give the benefit to the officer that he was truthful to the Court. My colleague did not know under what laws/rules the DF would give a character reference other that in his time in the PDF it was custom and practice where soldiers were before the courts on criminal charges. This case may well lead to a change, for the better.
3. He is also of the view that the wheels are now in motion to dismiss the soldier.

In my view, the sentence and the judge's remarks are totally out of order and I feel the DPP will appeal.

I can only wish the young lady all the best.

So he has to report back to his senior officers, grand.

Why did he have to address the court? What has that got to do with reporting back to the defence forces?