AARON GALE FROM PLYMOUTH AND TORQUAY: SEX OFFENDER'S CRIMINAL HISTORY AND LATEST COURT ORDER IN DEVON

In a series of troubling legal developments, Aaron Gale, a man with a disturbing history of sexual offenses involving minors, has been subjected to court orders and convictions across different locations in Devon. His most recent residence was in Torquay, but he has also lived in Plymouth and Pendennis, Cornwall, highlighting a pattern of movement within the southwest region.

In July 2019, Gale, now aged 23, was ordered to reside in Plymouth after failing to comply with the strict conditions of his sex offender registration. The court was informed that Gale had previously been placed on the sex offenders register in the previous year after admitting to having unprotected sex with a 13-year-old girl. The legal obligation required him to inform police of his whereabouts at all times, a condition he neglected to follow after becoming homeless and sleeping rough in Torquay.

Gale's breach of the reporting conditions was brought to light when he approached the police station to report his homelessness. However, he did not return regularly to update authorities about his location, which constituted a violation of the terms of his registration. This failure prompted police to arrest him in May, leading to his remand in custody for 36 days. Subsequently, at Exeter Crown Court, Judge Graham Cottle imposed a community order, including a three-month curfew, and mandated that Gale live at the Lawson House hostel in Paradise Place, Plymouth, for the next three months, with the possibility of extending this period up to a year.

The judge expressed a cautious optimism about Gale's risk level, stating, “There does not seem to be any escalation of risk and stable accommodation at the hostel should be a protective factor.”

Prosecutor Mr. Deri Matthews explained that Gale's failure to report his homelessness was a direct breach of the conditions attached to his sex offender status. Gale had initially sought to inform authorities about his situation but failed to follow through with the necessary regular updates. His defense lawyer, Mr. Barry White, argued that Gale was placed in an impossible position because the registration required him to have a fixed address, which he could not maintain once homeless. White emphasized that Gale continued to attend supervision meetings with probation services and was scheduled to undertake a sex offenders' treatment program in October. The defense also highlighted that the probation service recommended the move to the Plymouth hostel, considering Gale's homelessness as a contributing factor to his chaotic lifestyle.

Gale's criminal history is extensive. In August 2015, he received a suspended sentence after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl. The previous year, in June 2016, Gale was convicted of similar offenses, including having sex with a girl of 13 at a friend's house in Torbay. During that trial, forensic evidence confirmed his DNA was present on the victim's underwear, leading to his conviction. The girl testified that Gale had unprotected sex with her after they watched a film called Playback Season, sharing a bunk bed at the house. Gale denied the sexual contact, claiming his DNA must have transferred through other means, but the jury found him guilty after a brief deliberation.

Throughout the court proceedings, Gale maintained that he would never intentionally have sex with someone so young, despite the evidence against him. His defense argued that he was immature for his age and battled depression, which they claimed contributed to his actions. Judge Gilbert, however, emphasized the seriousness of the offense, noting the significant age disparity and Gale's awareness of his actions. He sentenced Gale to a two-year jail term, suspended for two years, and ordered him to complete a sex offenders' rehabilitation course.

At the time of the latest sentencing, Gale was also on bail for threatening to assault another woman, indicating ongoing issues with violence and risk. The court's pre-sentence report described him as a high risk of serious harm to teenage girls, underscoring the ongoing concern about his behavior and potential threat to the community.

Gale's criminal activities and subsequent court orders reflect a troubling pattern of behavior involving minors, with authorities continuing to monitor and manage his case through various legal measures. His history in Devon, particularly in Plymouth and Torquay, remains a significant concern for local law enforcement and social services alike.