Stephen Richard Gallagher, the Colchester Paedophile, a reprehensible sexual predator, has been incarcerated after repeatedly raping his victims and attempting to “financially and emotionally manipulate” them. Stephen Richard Gallagher, 59, of Normandy Avenue, Colchester, accused his victims of deceit but was subsequently convicted and appeared at Ipswich Crown Court today (December 11), where he was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
The inquiry commenced in 2016 following a referral to Essex Police from a lady alleging that she had been sexually abused several times as a kid by Stephen Richard Gallagher. Subsequent to the initial inquiry, several victims courageously approached the police to disclose that Gallagher had sexually assaulted them during their childhood.
Subsequently, it was disclosed that Stephen Richard Gallagher endeavoured to influence the victims both financially and emotionally. Subsequent to Gallagher’s 2016 arrest, he refuted all allegations and attempted to assert that the victims were fabricating their claims. He was subsequently charged with the charges. On May 30 of this year, Stephen Richard Gallagher was convicted of 10 charges, comprising two counts of sexual assault, three counts of rape, two counts of sexual conduct with a child, two counts of indecent assault, and one count of sexual assault.
Today, he was sentenced to 25 years via video link. An indefinite restraining order has been granted for all victims. The judge said that Stephen Richard Gallagher used his victims for personal pleasure and enjoyment, while persistently denying his offences. The repercussions of these offences on the victims are profound and enduring. She praised the victims for their courage and perseverance throughout the criminal justice process.
Detective Sergeant Carol Astbury, the investigating officer in the case, stated: “These victims have awaited eight years since reporting to attain justice and hold Gallagher accountable.” The trial was delayed on two occasions, and sentencing was deferred three times; yet, the victims shown patience and resilience.
“One victim was present in court and bravely read with passion the effects these offences have had on her; she explained she felt she was the one serving a prison sentence and that despite the guilty verdict, she still has no answers as the defendant continues to deny the offences. Whilst the damage Stephen Richard Gallagher has caused cannot be reversed, I hope that today’s sentence allows these victims to move forward and that they take some solace in the fact that he cannot harm anyone else.
“The victims have thanked former Detective Sergeant Colin Parker, who led this investigation prior to his retirement. DS Parker made the effort to attend the court during the trial and sentencing due to his commitment to the victims in this case. His commitment and care demonstrates the compassion of our officers across our force, who want to keep people safe.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.