High Court halts dismissal of Garda Trevor Bolger convicted of assaulting ex-wife Margaret Loftus
The High Court granted a stay on the dismissal of Garda Trevor Bolger, who was convicted of assaulting his ex-wife Margaret Loftus in 2012, as he pursues a judicial review challenging the Commissioner's decision to dismiss him under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. Margaret Loftus spoke publicly of her shock that no legislation prevents a convicted criminal from remaining a member of the force.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court22 May
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports14 statements extracted from the articles
- whatHe hit her in the back and grabbed her by the hair while she begged him not to hurt her. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatMargaret described the incident as a protracted and terrifying assault. (irishmirror.ie)
- causeBolger was irate because Ms Loftus spoke to her family and did not stay by his side. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe High Court granted a stay on the notice dismissing Bolger from An Garda Síochána. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe dismissal was due to come into force at one minute before midnight on Wednesday. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtBolger is seeking to quash the notice of dismissal issued under Section 41 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe notice to dismiss was issued on 6 May 2026. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtJustice Sara Phelan granted leave to challenge the dismissal and put a stay on proceedings until 14 July. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceHe was handed a three-month fully suspended sentence in January 2026. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe Commissioner's office wrote in February that his dismissal is necessary to maintain public confidence. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherBolger's lawyers submitted that Margaret has engaged in a media campaign demanding his dismissal. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherBolger is now a regular Garda under suspension. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherIn the immediate aftermath of the incident, Bolger sought urgent psychological and psychiatric care and consented to a barring order. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe incident was known to An Garda Síochána from November 2012. (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 22 May2026Ex-wife of garda who assaulted her speaks out after his dismissal halted
The article reports that Justice Sara Phelan granted a stay on Bolger's dismissal until 14 July 2026, and that Margaret Loftus spoke to the Irish Mirror about her reaction to the decision. It also details the judicial review arguments, including that the incident was known to An Garda Síochána from November 2012 and that Bolger sought urgent psychological care and consented to a barring order in the immediate aftermath.
victim, Margaret Loftus, female, irish (judged from name)Margaret Loftusconvicted, Trevor Bolger, male, named, irish (judged from name)Trevor Bolger