Update: John Gaile, who owns Cooley’s pub in Magilligan, was jailed for 30 months after he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse over a two year period. But he’ll only serve six months in prison with the other two years being served on licence. March 2014 Bar owner admits sexually assaulting teenage girl The owner of a Magillgan bar has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a schoolgirl. John Gaile, whose address was given on court papers as Ballymadigan Terrace, Castlerock, pleaded guilty to sexual assault and sexual assault by penetration. The offences were committed between June 2011 and August 2012, when the victim was 16-years-old. The 51-year-old had initially denied the charges but the day after a jury was sworn to try the case he applied to be re-arraigned and entered a guilty plea. Two further charges of sexual assault and attempted sexual assault were left on the books not to be proceeded with. The jury had been told that Gaile is the owner of Cooley’s Bar in the Magilligan area. A second man admitted giving false information to police during their investigation into the sexual assault. David John Bowerman, of Seacoast Road, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice on February 19, last year. Sentencing was adjourned for probation pre-sentence reports to be compiled. Judge Philip Babington thanked the jury and said in sex cases it is ‘always better if the injured party doesn’t have to give evidence’. Both the defendants were released on continuing bail and will appear in court again on May 6. Gaile is now subject to the notification requirements of the sex offenders register.