CAVAN MAN MICHAEL GALLIGAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE BOY IN CAVAN

In November 2017, a man from Cavan was handed a significant prison sentence after being convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a teenage boy. The individual, identified as 40-year-old Michael Galligan, hails from Springfield in Cavan town. He was found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old boy he had met through online interactions, leading to his imprisonment for a period of five years.

Galligan, who is registered on the sex offenders register, has a troubling criminal history that includes four previous convictions. Among these past convictions are charges related to sexual assault and breaches of the sex offenders act, indicating a pattern of concerning behavior. His latest conviction stems from incidents that took place in 2015, during which he pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three counts of defilement of a child under 15 years old and two counts of sexual assault against the same minor.

The court was informed that the teenage boy initially contacted Galligan via a specific website, falsely claiming to be 18 years old. The evidence presented by Gardaí revealed that Galligan and the boy met on three separate occasions during 2015, with the offenses occurring during these encounters. Notably, during the second meeting, the boy was dressed in his school uniform, highlighting the disturbing nature of the case.

Following the incidents, the boy’s family became aware of the mobile phone contact between the two and promptly alerted Gardaí. In police interviews, Galligan admitted to the allegations, acknowledging his involvement in the offenses. Despite the gravity of the situation, the boy chose not to provide a victim impact statement and expressed a desire to move forward with his life.

During the court proceedings, Galligan’s defense argued that the boy had initiated contact first, emphasizing that Galligan did not actively seek out underage children. The defense also acknowledged that once Galligan realized the boy’s true age, he should have disengaged from the situation. They further stated that Galligan recognized his wrongdoing and accepted that he should have walked away from the encounter.

It was also revealed that Galligan had begun engaging with psychiatric services while in prison, aiming to address his personal issues and difficulties related to his sexuality. A report outlining his personal history and struggles was submitted to the court.

Judge Martin Nolan, presiding over the case, expressed that Galligan should have known the age of the boy after their initial meeting. He emphasized that part of the law’s purpose is to protect minors, especially 14-year-olds, from exploitation and harm. The judge stated that Galligan was fully aware of what he was doing and that his actions were seriously wrong.

Ultimately, Judge Nolan sentenced Galligan to seven years in prison, with the final two years suspended on the condition that Galligan adhere to strict behavioral requirements. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the judiciary to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors in Cavan and beyond.