LEE GALLAGHER OF PENPARCAU SENTENCED FOR ONLINE SEX OFFENCES IN SWANSEA

In March 2014, Lee Gallagher, a 26-year-old man from Penparcau, appeared at Swansea Crown Court after posing as 'Sarah from Aberaeron' in an attempted sex act involving a 14-year-old boy. Gallagher admitted to inciting the teenage victim to engage in sexual activity.

Prosecutor Robin Rouch described how Gallagher communicated with the boy via Facebook messages. In September 2012, Gallagher told the boy that a girl named 'Sarah from Aberaeron' was interested in talking to him and provided a mobile number. The boy responded with his own number, and their conversations escalated from there.

Most of the offending occurred on September 30, 2012, when Gallagher sent messages claiming that 'Sarah' wanted to perform a sex act on him, followed by texts suggesting a meeting later that day. The boy grew suspicious, and the next day, his mother confiscated his mobile phone due to misbehavior.

While reviewing the messages, the mother found a message from Gallagher, who was still pretending to be Sarah. She then had the phone number traced back to Gallagher, leading to his arrest. Gallagher initially claimed that others had accessed his phone and was not responsible for the messages, but he later confessed after further investigation.

Mr. Rouch stated that the 14-year-old boy felt 'stupid, embarrassed, and humiliated' and emphasized that he has become more aware of the dangers of social networking sites.

Representing Gallagher, lawyer Carina Hughes explained that Gallagher and his family lived in a small community that had been subjected to abuse following his arrest. She also noted that Gallagher was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time. Hughes confirmed that no photographs had been exchanged, and although Gallagher acknowledged his sexual motivation, no meetings ever occurred.

Judge Michael Burr addressed Gallagher directly, noting that he required guidance. He imposed a three-year community order, during which Gallagher must complete 250 hours of courses chosen by probation to prevent reoffending. Unemployed and with a history of 27 previous offences, Gallagher was also prohibited from contacting the boy or his mother and was subject to a Sex Offences Prevention Order preventing contact with children. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender with the police.

Judge Burr warned Gallagher that the order was 'tough' and that any failure to comply with its terms could result in imprisonment.