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Garda walks from court with suspended sentence for 'terrifying, protracted assault' on then-wife
Summary
A garda has received a suspended three-month sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting his then-wife, a fellow member of An Garda Síochána, in County Mayo in October 2012. Trevor Bolger (48), previously attached to Ballymun Garda Station, pleaded guilty to the assault under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. Judge Martina Baxter suspended the sentence in full on strict conditions, including engagement with the MOVE (Men Overcoming Violent Emotions) programme. The court heard the assault occurred during a family gathering when Bolger became angry that his wife spoke with her family rather than remaining at his side. The victim described the incident as terrifying and protracted, and ended the marriage the following day. Judge Baxter noted Bolger held a position of trust as a serving garda and that alcohol aggravated the offence. She acknowledged his six years of sobriety, genuine remorse, and engagement with rehabilitation services, finding him at low risk of reoffending. Bolger is currently suspended from An Garda Síochána.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Garda walks from court with suspended sentence for 'terrifying, protracted assault' on then-wife. Charges or matters: assaulting Margaret Loftus on October 25, 2012. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 25, 2012 Incident
- October 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 2018 Incident
- December 2018 Incident
- 2026-01-16 Publication
Why: Bolger was irate because Ms Loftus spoke to her family and did not stay by his side and he sat at the bar drinking for the night, the court was told. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assaulting Margaret Loftus on October 25, 2012 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) A Dublin-based garda who carried out a "protracted assault" on his then wife – who also a member of the force – over 13 years ago has walked from court with a suspended sentence. Judge Baxter sentenced Bolger to three months, suspended for a period of three months on strict conditions including the he engage with the MOVE programme and all other appropriate recommendations of the Probation Service.; Judge Martina Baxter heard evidence in the case last year and adjourned sentencing to today to allow for a probation report to be prepared.
Places mentioned
- previously attached to Ballymun Garda Station
- Ballymun
- was attached to Howth Garda Station
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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