Lough Derg perv's sick sex attacks

A WORKER at the Lough Derg pilgrimage site duped women into help-ing him fix washing machines at the retreat so he could sexually assault them.

- BY NILE TRICKS: Gallagher

Tomas Gallagher fooled his five victims into thinking they were holding a “pipe” during a series of sick incidents at the religious setting.

The innocent women then found themselves being sexually assaulted by the 42-year-old pervert.

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

The father-of-one from Rathanlacky, Dunkineely, pleaded guilty to a total of seven charges against five women at the holy island on the shores of Lough Derg.

He pleaded to six charges of sexual assault at St Patrick's Purgatory.

He also pleaded that in the same period and location, he did attempt, by inviting, inducing, counselling or inciting a child to sexual touching.

The victims, who cannot be named to protect their identity, ranged in age from their early teens to more mature women.

RETREAT

All of the offences took place in 2022 when Gallagher worked both as a maintenance man at the retreat as well as driving a boat taking pilgrims to and from the Co Donegal island.

Barrister for the state, Fiona Crawford, BL and investigating Garda Joanna Doherty outlined the details of the incidents.

Statements given to gardai by the victims told how Gallagher had approached them asking them to help him come into a laundry room as he needed help fixing various machines.