'DECEITFUL' LOUGH DERG PERV JAILED

Dad-of-one sentenced to 4yrs for series of religious retreat assaults

- BY STEPHEN MAGUIRE

A WORKER at Lough Derg who duped unsuspecting women so he could sexually assault them has been jailed for four years.

Tomas Gallagher preyed on five female victims by asking them to help him repair washing machines and tumble dryers during a series of terrifying incidents at the retreat in Co Donegal.

But instead of helping the workman, the innocent women found themselves being sexually assaulted by the 42-year-old predator.

Details of the plans hatched by Gallagher were outlined before Letterkenny Circuit Court last week.

Gallagher had pleaded to seven charges in all, four for sexual assaults of adults, two for sexual assault on children and one charge of invitation to a child to sexually touch.

And yesterday, having considered reports on Gallagher as well as the statements from his victims, Judge John Aylmer jailed the father-of-one for five years with the last 12 months suspended.

He said the crimes, as outlined in the case, were “egregious acts of violence in a sacred place of pilgrimage”.