Garda walks from court with suspended sentence for 'terrifying, protracted assault' on then-wife

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.