National court archive · 2026-03-23

Defence Force member given suspended sentence for assault of garda

At a glance

Crime
assault causing harm
People
Gary Stephens, Brian O’Callaghan, Brendan McDonagh BL, Brian Spain, Brendan Bourke BL
Locations
Moher, Ballinasloe
Court
Galway Circuit Criminal Court
Outcome
four months in prison, which he suspended in full for 12 months

Summary

Gary Stephens received a suspended four-month sentence after admitting assault causing harm to a garda in Ballinasloe. The court heard about his long Defence Forces career, rehabilitation after the incident, remorse and €7,000 payment offered to the injured officer.

Read the original CNI report

Original reporting: courtsnewsireland.ie