MARK GALLIANO FROM KEYSOE SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL PORNOGRAPHY IN BEDFORDSHIRE

In December 2009, a man from Keysoe, named Mark Galliano, was sentenced in Bedford Magistrates' Court after admitting to possessing extreme pornographic images involving animals. The court decided that Galliano, aged 64 and residing at Keysoe Row East, would serve his punishment through a community order lasting three years, rather than imprisonment.

Galliano's case was notably the first of its kind in Bedfordshire, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are treating such offenses. The charges stemmed from his possession of five explicit videos depicting women engaged in sexual acts with animals. Specifically, three of these videos showed a woman having sex with a dog, while the remaining two depicted a woman involved in intercourse and oral sex with a horse. Additionally, Galliano had requested that 25 other similar offenses be considered during the proceedings, indicating a broader pattern of behavior.

Details emerged that on September 10, officers visited Galliano’s residence following his registration as a sex offender. He was previously cautioned for possessing an indecent image of a child, which placed him under the sex offender register. During the police visit, officers engaged him in a discussion about his online searches, with one officer informing him that viewing images of bestiality had been illegal since January of that year.

Subsequently, Galliano’s computer was confiscated, leading to the discovery of 30 videos related to the offenses. The police investigation revealed the extent of his possession of such material, which contributed to the severity of the case.

Galliano’s defense lawyer, Andrew Wagstaff, emphasized his client’s good character prior to these events and expressed remorse for his actions. Wagstaff stated that Galliano felt deep shame for having committed an illegal act and acknowledged the distress caused to his family, friends, and colleagues. The lawyer noted that Galliano’s family, including his daughter and son-in-law, were present in court and supported him.

As part of the court’s sentence, Galliano was ordered to pay £85 in costs. Furthermore, the magistrates mandated that his computer be destroyed to prevent further access to such material. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the possession and distribution of extreme and illegal pornography, especially involving animals, which remains a serious criminal offense.