DAVID GALLOP SENTENCED IN NOTTINGHAM AND LIVERPOOL FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE CASES
In October 2018, David Gallop, an 86-year-old former social worker, was sentenced to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual assault related to offenses committed over four decades ago.The criminal acts took place in Nottingham in the 1970s when Gallop was assigned as a social worker at Hazelwood Children’s Home in Radford.
The victim, a teenage boy who was placed in care after family breakdown, was introduced to Gallop at the home.
Gallop lured him to his flat in Wollaton by offering payment in exchange for painting model aeroplanes, and later asked the boy to pose naked for photographs in exchange for more money.
During one visit, Gallop’s behavior escalated, and he sexually assaulted the boy, who reacted by jumping away and telling him to stop.
The boy, who had endured a difficult home life, ran away after leaving a note asking Gallop to inform his family that he was leaving.
Nottinghamshire Police’s Operation Equinox—an ongoing investigation into historical sexual abuse—prosecuted the case.
Prior to this, Gallop, then aged 85, was convicted in July 2017 for offences committed during the early 1960s when he served as a warden at Liverpool’s Florence Institute Boys’ Club, known as “the Florrie,” one of the country’s earliest purpose-built boys' clubs.
He repeatedly groomed and sexually molested a 12- and 13-year-old boy over a period of time.
The Liverpool Crown Court heard that Gallop's actions had lasting effects on his victim, who was emotional as he recalled the trauma 55 years later, having kept it secret for many years.
Sentencing Gallop to three and a half years in prison, Recorder Anthony Long stated, “You have shown no remorse or any empathy towards the little boy you abused.
You caused him serious harm and burdened him with feelings of confusion, guilt and shame that have troubled him throughout his adult life.” The judge also noted the impact of the victim’s lifelong suffering, displaying “moving” personal statements from both the victim and his wife, which highlighted the enduring effects of Gallop’s conduct.
Although Gallop expressed some disquieting remarks during sentencing, the judge pointed out that, given legislative changes since the offenses, some charges might today be classified differently, such as attempted rape.
Additional allegations involved molestation during a camping holiday with other boys, but charges related to those incidents were not brought as they fell outside court jurisdiction.
An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed on Gallop, restricting his contact with anyone under 16, with exceptions allowing church attendance.
The order also bans him from working with church groups like scouts or Sunday schools.
The court judge remarked, “There were some profoundly disquieting remarks made by the defendant which caused me concern that he may be a lifelong paedophile.” Gallop, who now resides in Roseau, the capital of Dominica, denied five offences of indecent assault spanning from 1960 to 1962, but was convicted after a four-day trial.
Prosecutor Sarah Holt explained that the victim, who initially did not report Gallop’s actions due to his attachment to the club and fear of repercussions, recounted that Gallop climbed on top of him in semi-naked states and attempted to have sex while they were alone at Gallop’s flat in Toxteth.
The victim also revealed that he kept silent out of shame, fear, and love for the club, only disclosing the abuse after his parents, especially his mother, had passed away.
The court also learned that police interviewed the victim in 2012 and 2013, and that Gallop, who had been living in Dominica, was arrested upon returning to the UK in August 2013.
At court, Gallop maintained his innocence, denying all allegations and suggesting that children could consent to sexual activity and indicating he needed to consult the internet for confirmation.
During the proceedings, Gallop showed no reaction to some statements and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
