TERRENCE GALLIGAN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN NEWBURY AND KENT

In a case that has shocked the local community of Newbury and the surrounding areas, 92-year-old Terrence Galligan has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual offences committed over several decades. The investigation, carried out by Thames Valley Police, culminated in a lengthy trial at Reading Crown Court, where Galligan faced charges related to the abuse of minors spanning from 1971 to 2017.

Galligan, a resident of Argyle Road in Newbury, was found guilty by a unanimous jury after a nine-day trial. The court heard evidence of multiple serious offences, including indecency with a child under 14, indecent assault on a girl under 16, and buggery involving a girl under 16. Additionally, he was convicted of sexual assault on a child under 13, as well as various offences related to the possession and making of indecent photographs of children, categorized from A to C, along with possession of prohibited images.

The crimes were committed against two victims, with incidents dating back to 1971 and continuing until 2017, across the counties of Kent and Berkshire. The lengthy span of these offences highlights a disturbing pattern of abuse that persisted over nearly five decades.

Galligan was arrested on September 19, 2017, and subsequently charged on June 27, 2018. The court's sentencing yesterday resulted in a 12-year prison term, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the impact on the victims involved. The case has left a lasting scar on the community, raising concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.