ANDREW GALLIVAN CWMCARN SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR ATTACKS ON SCHOOLGIRLS IN CARDIFF

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Andrew Gallivan, a 34-year-old bricklayer from Cwmcarn, was sentenced to four years in prison following a series of disturbing attacks on young schoolgirls. The incidents, which took place over a span of two months, involved Gallivan targeting girls in uniform as they made their way to and from school in Cardiff.

According to court proceedings, Gallivan was actively using Facebook as of July 2018, which he had recently become involved with. The attacks first came to light in February 2004, when Gallivan's predatory behavior was brought before the court. The court heard that Gallivan, riding a blue Yamaha moped, would often stop his vehicle when he saw schoolgirls in uniform, then disembark to carry out his assault. His actions were described as calculated and predatory, with the intent to prey on vulnerable young victims.

One of the key moments in the investigation involved a quick-thinking 14-year-old girl who managed to memorize Gallivan’s number plate after he rode off following an attack on her. Prosecutor Hugh Wallace detailed that the girl was on her way to school when Gallivan’s moped passed her. Without warning, Gallivan decided to halt his bike, then approached the girl from behind, engaging in indecent assault. Thanks to her alertness, authorities were able to track him down and arrest him within two hours of the incident.

During police interviews, Gallivan confessed to committing two additional indecent assaults on other young schoolgirls aged 12. His admission confirmed the pattern of his offending behavior, which had been ongoing for some time. The court proceedings took place at Cardiff Crown Court, where Gallivan pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault.

Judge Isabel Parry, presiding over the case, sentenced Gallivan to four years in prison. She described him as a 'danger to the public,' emphasizing the severity of his actions. In her remarks, she highlighted that the offenses involved three girls aged between 12 and 14, all of whom were targeted during daylight hours while in school uniform. The judge noted that Gallivan approached his victims unexpectedly from behind, instilling fear and panic in the young girls.

Judge Parry further expressed concern over Gallivan’s apparent fantasizing about committing more serious offenses, including rape. She underscored the high risk he posed to the community, particularly to young women, and characterized his behavior as predatory in nature. As part of his sentence, Gallivan was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was banned from working with children, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to public safety.