Colchester: Man convicted of non-recent sexual offences

A man has been convicted ten offences after sexually abusing three girls following a thorough investigation by Essex Police.

Stephen Richard Gallagher, 58 of Normandy Avenue in Colchester appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, 30 May where he was found guilty of ten sexual offences, including three counts of rape of a girl.

An investigation into Gallagher was launched in September 2016, when Essex Police received a report from a young girl, that she had been sexually abused. A complex investigation within the Child Abuse Investigation Team was launched and two other victims bravely came forward to report offences.

The offences took place when the victims were between the ages of 10 and 19.

Gallagher was arrested in October 2016 and later charged with two counts of rape, three counts of rape against a child, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, four counts of indecent assault, two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual assault.

Following a two-week trial at Ipswich Crown Court, Gallagher was found guilty of 10 offences including two counts of sexual assault against a female, three counts of rape against a child, two counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual assault.

He will appear at the same court on 29th July for sentencing.

Detective Sergeant Carol Astbury said:

“The three victims demonstrated extreme strength and tenacity throughout a long and complex investigation, ensuring that Gallagher has finally been held accountable for his despicable crimes. For various reasons, the trial was postponed twice before taking place and I would like to thank the victims for their strength and patience.

“All victims were between the ages of 10 and 19 at the time they were abused by Gallagher and I hope that this conviction allows them to start to move forward.

“I have to commend Detective Sergeant Colin Parker, who led this investigation prior to his retirement. DS Parker made the effort to attend the court during the trial due to his commitment to the victims in this case. The victims have since thanked him, saying they would not have been able to continue with this lengthy investigation and court process without him.”

Support is there for anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse, and no victim or survivor is alone. Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and all genders across Essex, Thurrock and Southend.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Essex: CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis). Synergy Essex is independent from the police and provides support for victims and survivors throughout their journey.  

Victims and survivors can self-refer, or be referred by a parent, partner, friend or professional and can access specialist emotional support, counselling and advocacy.  For victims and survivors who report to the police, Synergy Essex provides an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service, providing support throughout the criminal justice process.  

For more information visit the Synergy Essex website: https://synergyessex.org.uk/