PHILLIP GALLAGHER FROM BOSCOMBE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD ABUSE IMAGE CHARGES

In November 2014, a man from Boscombe, identified as Phillip Gallagher, was spared imprisonment after admitting to the possession and download of indecent images involving children. The incident came to light when police seized a laptop from Gallagher’s residence on Hamilton Road in Boscombe, revealing a disturbing collection of illicit material.

Specifically, Gallagher, aged 56, was found to have stored a total of 63 images and videos depicting minors in various categories of severity. The police investigation uncovered that on the laptop, there were 11 images and a short two-minute video classified as Category A, which denotes the most severe level of indecency. Additionally, there were 21 images and a 30-minute movie categorized as Category B, along with 29 images falling under Category C, indicating lesser degrees of explicit content involving children.

Gallagher appeared before Bournemouth Crown Court to face sentencing on a Tuesday. During the hearing, he quietly confirmed his guilt to the eight charges brought against him. The charges included the downloading of the aforementioned images and videos, which had caused significant concern given their disturbing nature.

In his mitigation, lawyer Robert Grey described Gallagher as a man who leads a solitary life and expressed remorse for his actions. Grey emphasized that Gallagher was ashamed of his conduct and demonstrated a “high degree” of remorse for his offending.

Judge Jonathan Fuller described the case as “unusual,” citing Gallagher’s background and mental health issues as factors that distinguished this case from typical child abuse image offences. The judge acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but also considered Gallagher’s personal circumstances.

As part of his sentence, Gallagher, who works part-time as a cleaner, was given a three-year community order. This order includes a supervision requirement, meaning he will be monitored and supported during this period. Furthermore, he will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which imposes restrictions aimed at preventing future offending. Additionally, Gallagher is required to participate in a work programme designed to address and reduce his offending behavior.

Overall, the court’s decision reflects a balance between the severity of the offences and Gallagher’s personal circumstances, opting for a community-based sentence rather than imprisonment.