JOHN GAILE OF CASTLEROCK AND MAGILLGAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN MAGILLIGAN

In a recent development in a serious criminal case, John Gaile, a well-known figure in the Magilligan community and owner of Cooley’s pub, has been sentenced to a total of 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges of sexual abuse. The offences, which spanned over a two-year period, involved a teenage girl and have garnered significant attention due to the nature of the crimes and the prominence of the defendant in the local area.

Gaile, whose address was listed as Ballymadigan Terrace, Castlerock, appeared in court to admit guilt to two counts of sexual assault and sexual assault by penetration. These incidents took place between June 2011 and August 2012, during which the victim was only 16 years old. Initially, Gaile had denied the allegations, but following the swearing of a jury to try the case, he made a strategic decision to re-appear in court and change his plea to guilty. This shift occurred the day after the jury was sworn in, indicating a possible reconsideration of his legal stance.

While he admitted to two of the charges, two additional counts—one of sexual assault and another of attempted sexual assault—were left unresolved, with the prosecution choosing not to proceed with those allegations. The court proceedings revealed that Gaile is a prominent local business owner, known for his ownership of Cooley’s Bar in the Magilligan area, which is a well-frequented establishment in the community.

During the trial, it was also disclosed that another individual, David John Bowerman of Seacoast Road, pleaded guilty to giving false information to police during their investigation into the sexual assault allegations. Bowerman was convicted of perverting the course of justice on February 19 of the previous year. Sentencing for Bowerman was deferred to allow for probation and pre-sentence reports to be prepared.

Judge Philip Babington expressed appreciation for the jury’s service and emphasized the importance of protecting victims in sexual assault cases, noting that it is “always better if the injured party doesn’t have to give evidence.” Both Gaile and Bowerman were released on continuing bail and are scheduled to return to court on May 6 for further proceedings. As part of his sentence, Gaile is now subject to the mandatory notification requirements of the sex offenders register, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing monitoring of his conduct in the community.