Mayo councillors in show of solidarity with Margaret Loftus

COUNCILLORS in her native Castlebar district have spoken out in solidarity with domestic violence survivor Margaret Loftus.

Margaret, a former member of An Garda Síochána, has shared her experience of domestic abuse at the hands of her then husband, Trevor Bolger, also a serving garda, who received a three-month suspended prison sentence for a Section 2 assault. That after more than 50 court appearances.

The criminal justice process was, she said, 'as traumatising and damaging as the abuse'.

A former classmate of the Balla native, Councillor Donna Sheridan, voiced full support for Ms. Loftus, saying she did not believe she had received justice.

She and her family deserved better, she said, yet Margaret was so gracious to continually recognise and ask women to come forward, which was difficult when you saw how she was treated.

“I hope her bravery is really acknowledged,” commented Councillor Sheridan.

There was full support from the elected representatives for Ms. Loftus at a municipal meeting, with Councillor Cyril Burke paying tribute for the way she is continuing the fight and has opened up debate around domestic violence.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said the case involved more than 50 court appearances - over 13 years - and it raises issues that need to be examined further.

Councillor Harry Barrett said Margaret had spoken about years of fighting to be believed, years of carrying the pain of the assault, and the pain of how the system treated her.

If this happened to Ms. Loftus then it can happen to any woman, and that wasn't good enough, he said. It was a public failure and it went to the heart of whether women can trust the State to stand beside them when they are vulnerable.

Councillor Barrett said the Minister for Justice should initiate an urgent review of sentencing practice in domestic abuse and serious assault cases, with particular regard to suspended sentences, and introduce clear national guidelines for greater consistency and transparency in sentencing. He also called for the establishment of an independent advocacy and support pathway for victims of domestic abuse where the alleged perpetrator is a serving or former member of An Garda Síochána.

Councillor Sheridan said consultation should take place with Ms. Loftus before formally adopting a motion, to work with and consult her and ensure her voice is heard, which was agreed.

* Published under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme