GARY MCCALLUM CAUGHT IN LATCHFORD: SHOCKING SEX OFFENCES IN PRIMARK AND BEYOND

In a disturbing series of events that have shocked the community of Latchford and surrounding areas, Gary McCallum, a 44-year-old man from Oldham Street, was convicted and sentenced for multiple sex offences involving young children. The incidents spanned over several months and included acts of public indecency, exposure, and inappropriate conduct towards minors, leading to his imprisonment at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, March 8.

McCallum's criminal activities came to light after a detailed investigation by Cheshire Police, which was prompted by reports of his inappropriate behavior in the Golden Square Shopping Centre. The first known incident occurred on Sunday, November 20, when an eight-year-old girl was shopping with her mother and grandmother in Primark. Between approximately 3:15 pm and 4:00 pm, the young girl was approached by McCallum, who exposed himself while she was examining a jumper. The court heard that McCallum then engaged her with inappropriate questions, asking if she had seen a boy’s penis before and if she wanted to see it again. The girl responded by telling him to go away, but McCallum allegedly warned her not to tell anyone, implying a threat to silence her.

Further disturbing details emerged when, a few days later, an 11-year-old girl, accompanied by her 13-year-old friend, was shopping in Debenhams. While walking through the toy section, she witnessed McCallum performing a sex act. This incident was captured on CCTV, which led to his identification and subsequent arrest. During police interviews, McCallum admitted to the offences, confirming his involvement.

The impact on the victims was profound. A victim impact statement read aloud in court by prosecutor Derek Jones revealed that the eight-year-old girl had experienced a significant decline in confidence following the incident. She has struggled with sleep, suffering nightmares where she sees McCallum in her dreams. Her mother has had to stay with her during the night to help her feel safe, but her anxiety persists, and she remains worried about what she might see or encounter in the future.

McCallum’s history of similar offences is extensive. In July 2016, he was sentenced at Mold Crown Court to a three-year community order and was subject to a sexual harm prevention order. He was also mandated to participate in a sexual offenders’ treatment program. However, his past actions continued to demonstrate a pattern of predatory behavior. On May 13, in Wrexham, he was observed walking his dog when he stopped near a garden where a four-year-old girl was playing with friends. From a distance of about two meters, he exposed himself and began to perform a sex act. This incident was reported after the young girl’s mother saw McCallum from her window.

Further investigations uncovered additional troubling behavior. Days after the Wrexham incident, an 11-year-old girl playing in her back garden with a 13-year-old friend saw McCallum performing a sex act again. Police responded swiftly, conducting a raid on his residence. During the search, officers seized his laptop, which forensic analysis later revealed contained indecent photographs and videos of children. These findings added to the mounting evidence against him.

Throughout the court proceedings, McCallum appeared visibly distressed, crying in the dock as his defense team explained that he had not received any treatment from the sexual offenders’ program due to a lengthy waiting list. Despite this, Judge Steven Everett emphasized that McCallum had been given opportunities to seek help but failed to do so. The judge stated, “He had his chance but he did not take it. There is no alternative option.”

Ultimately, McCallum was sentenced to two years in prison for his multiple offences, including exposure, outraging public decency, and breaching a sexual harm prevention order. The case has left the community of Latchford and nearby areas deeply disturbed, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and protective measures for vulnerable children.