MARK GALLYER FROM ROMSEY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES

In a recent court case held in Romsey, a man named Mark Gallyer, aged 46 and residing at Paimpol Place, was convicted of three separate charges of sexually assaulting a young girl. Despite the severity of the allegations, Gallyer was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment. Instead, he received a 52-week prison sentence that was suspended, meaning he will not serve time in jail unless he breaches certain conditions. Additionally, he was placed under 12 months of supervised probation and was required to register as a sex offender, a measure that aims to monitor his activities and prevent further offenses.

Furthermore, Gallyer has been prohibited from working with children, a restriction that is part of the court’s efforts to protect minors from potential harm. Under the terms of a five-year sexual offences prevention order, children under the age of 16 are not allowed to enter his residence unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. This order is designed to limit any opportunities for contact with vulnerable minors and to ensure community safety.

Judge Peter Ralls QC addressed the court, noting that Gallyer was a man with limited educational background. The judge described the offenses as being at the lower end of the severity spectrum, emphasizing that the acts involved Gallyer touching the girl over her clothing rather than more invasive conduct. The judge’s assessment played a role in the decision to impose a suspended sentence rather than immediate jail time.

During the proceedings, David Reid, Gallyer’s defense lawyer, stated that his client maintained his innocence despite the conviction. Reid explained that Gallyer had been the primary caregiver for his sister, and both of them were still struggling to come to terms with the death of their mother, which occurred five years prior. Reid expressed concern about the impact of incarceration, highlighting that Gallyer would find it difficult to cope in prison, which may have influenced the court’s decision to opt for a suspended sentence rather than immediate imprisonment.