The Irish Defence Forces held 21 military trials – including cases of sexual assault, mistreatment of subordinates, theft and alcohol-related misconduct – over the last two years.
Two cases included sexual assault charges, with both featuring additional assault counts and charges for behaviour harmful to military discipline.
Another soldier faced 24 charges, including 13 about mistreating lower-ranking personnel, as well as multiple assault allegations.
The court martial proceedings took place between July 2023 and June 2025 according to records released to The Ditch under freedom of information.
Records show convictions in several cases, with punishments ranging from fines and reprimands to dismissal from the Defence Forces. Many case outcomes aren’t detailed in the released documents and two 2025 cases show rulings have not yet been delivered.
Cases at all three court martial levels
The court martial system uses three classes of military courts with escalating sentencing powers.
The lowest level can impose sentences up to six months, the next up to two years and the highest can impose sentences up to life imprisonment.
The 21 cases included 13 cases at the lowest level, four at the mid-level and four at the highest.
The two sexual assault cases – which saw defendants convicted of other offences but not sexual assault – were heard at the mid-level.
The highest level cases included negligence and offences relating to documents.
One case included multiple charges of negligent performance of duties, while another resulted in the dismissal of lieutenant Shane Hunt, who lied to a cadetship candidate about interview dates and faked documents to keep him out of the army.
Alcohol-related charges appeared across all levels, with personnel accused of being drunk on duty, alongside charges of assault, insubordination, disobeying order and dangerous driving of military vehicles.
In one sexual assault case the accused was acquitted of the sexual assault charge but found guilty of assault and conduct prejudicial charges, receiving fines and written reprimands.
Another case resulted in fines ranging from €500 to €750 plus written reprimands for conduct prejudicial charges.
One case involved 13 charges including theft-related offences like conniving at stealing service property and possession of stolen military equipment, alongside multiple conduct prejudicial to good order charges.
“While the Irish Defence Forces do not comment on the specifics of individual cases, it is important to note that our personnel are held to a higher standard of accountability than civilians, reflecting the unique responsibilities of military service.
“In recent years, the Defence Forces has undergone significant cultural change, strengthening our codes of behaviour, enhancing training and reinforcing a culture which reflects Óglaigh na hÉireann's values. These measures are part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the Irish Defence Forces reflects the highest values of service and professionalism in support of the state and the Irish people,” said a Defence Forces spokesperson
