Man in court over series of sexual offences at sacred Irish pilgrimage site

A Donegal man has pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault at a sacred Christian pilgrimage site in Donegal.

Tomas Gallagher appeared at Donegal Circuit Court where he pleaded guilty to seven charges relating to offences at St Patrick’s Purgatory at Lough Derg.

Gallagher, aged 42 and of Rathanlacky, Dunkineely, was formally arraigned before Judge John Aylmer at Letterkenny Courthouse.

Gallagher, dressed in a navy three-piece suit, spoke only to say “guilty” when the charges were put to him during a brief appearance. 

Six charges of sexual assault involving five female victims are alleged to have taken place at Lough Derg, Pettigo, on dates in 2022. 

The identity of the alleged victims cannot be reported at this time.

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The offences are contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990, as amended by Section 37 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. 

Gallagher is further charged that in the same period and location, he did attempt, by inviting, inducing, counselling or inciting a child to sexual touching. This offence is contrary to Section 4 Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, 2017. 

Mr Colm Smyth SC, barrister for Gallagher, instructed by Mullaney Solicitors, told Judge Aylmer that his client has been under psychiatric care and asked that legal aid be extended to cover a psychiatric report.

Adjourning the matter until the next term of Donegal Circuit Court, Judge Aylmer agreed to the request.

A book of evidence was served ahead of a recent appearance before the District Court, which heard that the defendant made no reply when charged by Gardai.

Gallagher, who was working at the centre when the alleged offences took place, was granted bail on the same terms and conditions.

Gallagher was ordered to have no contact with any of the injured parties by any means including through a third party, by social media, or any electronic means; have no contact with any employees of Lough Derg, past or previous; sign on once per week at an allocated Garda Station; surrender his passport and do not apply for a replacement; be of good behaviour; be contactable 24/7 via a mobile phone number supplied to gardaí. 

Legal aid was previously granted to Mullaney Solicitors and two legal counsel have been assigned in the case.