THOMAS GALLAGHER CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN KILLIN, SCOTLAND

Thomas Gallagher, a man with a complex background and a reputation built on charity work and military service, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in Killin, a small village in Scotland. Gallagher, who is 66 years old, served as a major in the Royal Engineers and participated in scientific expeditions across South America. His service record includes a notable photograph of him guarding Queen Elizabeth II in Germany, where he held the rank of major, highlighting his distinguished military career.

Beyond his military achievements, Gallagher was well known in the local community for his involvement in various charitable activities. In 2016, he donned the role of Santa Claus at Killin Primary School and also appeared at The Capercaillie, a local pub, engaging in community festivities. His charitable endeavors extended to helping orphanages in Africa, which contributed to his positive public image. Despite this, his reputation was shattered when he was accused of targeting a vulnerable teenage girl who was staying in Killin during May of the previous year.

The victim, whose identity remains protected by law, was unable to contact her parents directly at the time of the assault because she did not have her phone with her. Instead, she resorted to emailing her parents in England for help after the incident. The details of the assault came to light when her parents discovered Gallagher’s diary, in which he had written an apology and circled the date of the assault, providing crucial evidence for the case.

Gallagher was arrested following this discovery. His arrest led to a four-day trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court, where the victim spent over a day and a half giving testimony. The court proceedings revealed the extent of the evidence against Gallagher, who initially denied the charges, claiming that the girl had consented to the encounter. However, the evidence, including his open diary, contradicted his claims.

Jurors took only 28 minutes to reach a verdict, finding Gallagher guilty of sexual assault. The court subsequently sentenced him to three years in prison. Additionally, Gallagher was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders' register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes. Sheriff Craig Caldwell emphasized the profound emotional impact such cases have on victims, stating, “One cannot imagine the effects on this girl, this child. These cases cause significant emotional distress, which continues for years.”

The victim’s father, a former prison officer, publicly called for Gallagher to be stripped of his titles and pension, which is valued at approximately £70,000. Throughout the proceedings, Gallagher maintained his innocence, asserting that the girl had consented, but the evidence presented in court painted a different picture. Despite his claims of remorse and his status as a first-time offender, the seriousness of his actions was acknowledged by his defense attorney, who recognized the gravity of the case and its impact on the victim.