Courts / Galway / Report
Defence Force member given suspended sentence for assault of garda
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.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Defence Force member given suspended sentence for assault of garda. Charges or matters: one count of assault causing harm on January 1, 2024, in Ballinasloe town; assault causing harm. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 1, 2024 Incident
- June 2024 Incident
- 2026-03-23 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of assault causing harm on January 1, 2024, in Ballinasloe town; assault causing harm (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Defence Forces has received a four-month suspended sentence for a late-night assault on a garda.
Defendant
Charges: one count of assault causing harm on January 1, 2024, in Ballinasloe town; assault causing harm (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence, Judge Brian O'Callaghan said Stephens, of Moher, Ballinasloe, had shown "genuine remorse". He sentenced Stephens to four months in prison, which he suspended in full for 12 months.
Places mentioned
Topics
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