Man Sentenced Over Sexual Assault

A 63-year-old man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a schoolgirl is to be sentenced on Friday.

James Gallagher from St Columbs in L’Derry made his plea at Londonderry Crown Court after admitting touching a 15-ear-old schoolgirl in a sexual manner.

The victim was drunk at the time.

The prosecution told the court Mr Gallagher had come upon a young girl who was crying and looking for her phone.

The court heard the defendant put his arms around the victim to comfort her, but then pushed the girl to the ground and began to kiss and sexually assault her.

The girl eventually agreed to meet Mr Gallagher the next morning, at which point he let her go. She ran off and flagged a passing car.

The police were called and the victim pointed out Mr Gallagher to police, who arrested him.

The defendant told police he believed the girl was aged between 17 and 20 and that all contact between the two had been consensual.

Defence solicitor Des Fahy explained his client could no longer live in L’Derry and would have to live with the consequences of his offending.

Judge Piers Grant was told how a victim impact report found the girl had been left traumatised by the assault.

The court was told how the victim’s homework had deteriorated, how she suffered from sleep disturbances and she continues to receive therapy.

Defence solicitor Des Fahy said Gallagher has been in custody since his arrest 15 months ago and that this was equal to a three year sentence.

Gallagher was remorseful and it was claimed his offending was out of character.

(IT)