Cathal Crotty will be formally discharged from the Defence Forces later today.

The 22-year-old from Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare was last month handed a suspended sentence for a vicious attack on Natasha O'Brien on Limerick’s O’Connell Street.

The DPP has since appealed the sentence on the grounds of undue leniency.

In the days after the sentence was handed down the Defence Forces confirmed that they had begun their own disciplinary process against Crotty.

This afternoon, a spokesperson confirmed that he will be formally discharged from his duties just before midnight tonight.

“The Defence Forces unequivocally condemns any actions by serving personnel that are contrary to military regulations or that do not reflect our values,” said the spokesperson.

“The Defence Forces can confirm that Private Crotty will be discharged later today.”

The spokesperson confirmed that, because the Defence Forces work a 24-hour administrative day, Crotty’s discharge will only become official at 11:59pm tonight.