GARY GALLAGHER'S REIGN OF TERROR IN DUNFERMLINE: DOMESTIC ABUSE AND HARASSMENT IN SCOTTISH PRISONS

Gary Gallagher, a 34-year-old man from Dunfermline, has admitted to a disturbing pattern of domestic abuse and harassment directed at a former partner. His actions spanned over a period of 20 months, beginning on June 1, 2020, and concluding on February 8, 2022, during which he was incarcerated in various Scottish prisons, including Perth prison. Despite his time behind bars, Gallagher continued to exert control and threaten violence against his former partner, demonstrating a troubling persistence in his abusive behavior.

Gallagher pleaded guilty at Livingston Sheriff Court to a course of conduct that was deemed abusive and threatening. The court heard that during this period, he engaged in numerous acts of violence and harassment, which included incessant phone calls and messages demanding access to her phone PIN. He also issued threats of violence not only towards her but also against her friends, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

In addition to verbal threats, Gallagher was accused of physically damaging her property. He stole from her home, used her car without permission, and went as far as damaging her vehicle with a hammer. His obsessive behavior escalated to following her in a vehicle, threatening her with violence, and even locking her inside a moving car against her will, actions that significantly endangered her safety.

Some more serious allegations, such as threats to stab her, throw acid, and false accusations of drug possession, were brought up during proceedings but were ultimately dropped. Despite his history as a repeat offender, Gallagher’s defense argued that there was no actual violence involved in the incidents, claiming that his past was marred by loyalty to the wrong people and expressing remorse through a letter to the court.

The court was informed that Gallagher’s behavior was deeply troubling, yet the defense maintained that his actions did not constitute physical violence. The sentencing was deferred, with Sheriff Valerie Mays requesting a report and an assessment for a restriction of liberty order. Gallagher was released on bail and is scheduled to return to court on March 7 for further proceedings.