“Domestic Abuse Victims Have Our Full Support As Long Perpetrator Not A Serving Member Of Force”: Garda Statement

IN THE WAKE of member of the police force Trevor Bolger receiving a 3-month suspended sentence for violently assaulting his then wife, also a serving garda, An Garda Síochána has released a statement reassuring the public that although it completely failed in its duty to Bolger’s victim, domestic abuse victims needn’t worry.

“Yes after years of inaction we launched an investigation into a journalist when they first reported on this case, the proceedings of which were open to the public, but don’t take that to mean anything sinister – we’re behind victims,” confirmed a spokesperson for the force which has continued to count Bolger among its rank in the 13 years since the assault first came to light.

Those disappointed in the Irish justice system and the attitude of senior figures within state agencies like An Garda Síochána and the Irish Defence Forces have been reminded it only took 13 years after Bolger assaulted his then wife for a suspended sentence to be handed down.

“And before you start saying we don’t act on these things, he was promoted and given a licence to carry a fire arm after we learned of the then allegation, and when his victim applied for a transfer we granted it before rescinding it at the last minute with no explanation but only after she had moved across the country,” added the statement.

Admitting that Bolger is suspended from duty but still a member of the force, AGS has pointed to positive progress made in the handling of domestic abuse cases, provided they don’t involve a serving member of the force.

“And yes, a retired inspector provided a character reference for Bolger, but that doesn’t point to a culture of anything. Have you ever watched Severance? It’s like that. They may be the sort of person who comes to the defence of a violent domestic abuser, but they simply switch that part of themselves off when they’re in work dealing with domestic abuse cases,” the statement added.

Concluding its statement AGS confirmed that it would be a waste of everyone’s time if they were to ask if any other officers are accused of similar offences and are still in active service.