GEORGE GALLAGHER AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN GLASGOW
A man from Glasgow, George Gallagher, has been found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls, leading to widespread public outrage and condemnation.Gallagher, aged 30, was convicted of multiple charges related to his predatory behavior in various locations across Glasgow and nearby areas.
The first incident took place on April 19, 2021, inside an Asda supermarket located within Glasgow's Forge shopping centre.
According to court proceedings, Gallagher targeted a 12-year-old girl who was shopping with her mother.
The young girl had wandered away from her mother to browse jewelry in the women's department when Gallagher approached her.
Prosecutor Jessica McGowan described how Gallagher, who was reportedly attempting to join the police force at the time, spent several minutes pretending to look for a colleague and clothing items, all the while positioning himself close to the girl.
During this encounter, Gallagher groped the girl as she walked past him, an act that was described as a sexual assault.
The court heard that Gallagher’s inappropriate actions did not end there.
Evidence was presented that he had previously attacked another girl, aged between 11 and 13, at various locations in Glasgow, including his own residence in the Dennistoun area and a caravan park situated in Strathaven, South Lanarkshire.
These incidents occurred over a span of two years, from February 2017 to 2019.
During one such visit to the caravan park, Gallagher reportedly wrapped his arms around the second girl’s legs, pulled her close, and engaged in cuddling and groping her.
The second girl recounted feeling extremely distressed at the prospect of being alone with Gallagher, describing how he would wait until they were alone to lift her skirt, grope her, and cuddle her inappropriately.
The court was told that Gallagher’s actions were deliberate and sexually motivated.
The second girl’s testimony detailed how Gallagher would wait for moments when she was alone to carry out these acts, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior.
The court also noted that Gallagher’s presence in the women's department of the supermarket was unwarranted, as his usual area of work was in the fruit and vegetable section.
His presence in the restricted area was seen as suspicious and unnecessary.
Sheriff Iain Fleming presided over the case and expressed his belief that the victims’ accounts were credible and truthful.
He stated that he was convinced beyond reasonable doubt of Gallagher’s guilt, emphasizing that the sexual nature of the touching was clear.
The sheriff pointed out that the 12-year-old girl described Gallagher rubbing his arm against her with significant force, and noted that Gallagher had ample opportunity to avoid her but chose to walk close to her instead.
Following the verdict, members of the public gallery responded with applause, reflecting the community’s relief and support for the victims.
Gallagher was subsequently ordered to register as a sex offender, a standard procedure in cases of this nature.
The court deferred sentencing to allow for the preparation of background reports, with a sentencing date scheduled for the following month.
