CHRISTOPHER GALLOWAY IRVINE DOG ABUSER AND RACIST ATTACKER SENTENCED

In a case that has shocked the community of Irvine, Christopher Galloway, a retired accountant and father of eight, was found guilty of a series of disturbing crimes involving animal cruelty and violent assaults. The court heard that Galloway, residing on Dalmore Way in Irvine, had kicked four dogs on three separate occasions over a span of just seven weeks, displaying a pattern of aggressive and reckless behavior towards animals.

His violent tendencies extended beyond animal abuse. During the trial, it was revealed that Galloway had also assaulted two dog-walkers and racially abused a third individual. One of his victims, Heather Hargreaves, along with her sister Pamela Cox, recounted how, on February 13, 2017, Galloway had physically attacked their dogs, including a young Jack Russell puppy named Bruno. When Heather confronted Galloway about kicking her dogs, he responded with violence, punching her in the face while still holding the handle of his extension lead.

The assault left Heather requiring dental treatment, and her sister Pamela managed to capture a photograph of Galloway during the incident, which was subsequently handed over to the police. Galloway was arrested later that same day. During his court appearance, Galloway attempted to justify his actions, claiming he was trying to escape when Heather was taking a picture. He expressed disbelief that this was the third such incident within a short period, stating, “I was trying to get away when she was coming after me trying to get a picture. I thought to myself, ‘I can’t believe this has happening again, this is the third time in just six or seven weeks’.”

He further explained that his dog, Tash, was not in mortal danger this time, unlike previous incidents, and that the confrontation was fueled by the victims shouting and swearing at him. Galloway admitted that he might have unintentionally hit Heather with his extension lead while trying to defend himself, saying, “I wouldn’t hit a woman, but I now believe I probably have done that by accident, and I’m so sorry about that.”

Throughout the trial, Galloway denied the charges initially but later offered an apology, acknowledging that he may have overreacted with the benefit of hindsight. His defense attorney, Mr. Murray, acknowledged that Galloway’s conduct over the past year had been wholly unacceptable and noted that Galloway had relinquished ownership of his dog, Tash, rehoming him in Stirling.

Judge Sheriff David Hall described Galloway’s behavior as “quite bizarre” and emphasized that he “should’ve known better.” The court also heard that Galloway racially abused a nurse, mistakenly believing she was of Asian descent, adding to the severity of his misconduct.

In sentencing, Sheriff Hall imposed a one-year supervision order, 150 hours of unpaid work, and ordered Galloway to pay £300 in compensation to Heather Hargreaves for the injuries sustained during the assault. The court’s decision reflected the serious nature of Galloway’s actions and their impact on his victims and the wider community of Irvine.