A man has been jailed for six years after admitting to two rapes of the same woman.
In the first incident Gallagher continued to rape the victim even after she repeatedly told him to stop, while on the second occasion she woke up to find Gallagher raping her.
Immediately after the second incident the victim called a friend to stay in her home as Gallagher refused to leave.
A victim impact statement read out in court said the victim had suffered significant trauma as a result of the incidents, which continues to this day.
At Luton Crown Court Thursday, Gallagher was sentenced to three years in prison for the first offence and six years for the second. The sentences will be served at the same time.
DC Hayley Carroll, from Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, said: “Gallagher’s behaviour is absolutely despicable.
“He has committed the worst kind of sexual abuse for his own gratification, with no care or empathy for the victim in this case. I am glad he will be serving a lengthy prison sentence.
“Rape is a vile crime. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with victims and give them as much support as we possibly can, regardless of where and when the offences took place.
“I know it can be so difficult, but please – if someone has abused you, or you know someone who has been abused, please come forward and start your journey to get justice. We’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Bedfordshire Police has a significant focus on tackling perpetrators of male violence against women and girls (MVAWG), and is working with other organisations to support and improve women’s safety across the county.
Victims of rape and sexual assault can receive support and guidance from Bedfordshire Police and partner agencies, including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership (BDAP), as well as support through the criminal investigation process.
Reports of sexual assault, even if non-recent, can be made to the police by calling 101 or online.
You can also contact the SARC Emerald Centre by visiting the website, emailing info@emeraldcentre.org or calling 01234 897052.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
Domestic Violence Hotlines Across the U.K.
- Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline
phone: 0808 200 0247 - Galop (for the LGBTQ community)
phone: 0800 999 5428
message on Facebook - Live Fear Free Helpline (Wales)
phone: 0808 801 0800 - Men’s Advice Line
phone: 0808 801 0327
message on Facebook - Respect Phoneline
phone: 0808 802 4040
message on Facebook - Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Force Marriage Helpline (Scotland)
phone: 0800 027 1234 - Scottish Women’s Aid (Scotland)
phone: 0131 226 6606 - Women’s Aid Federation (Northern Ireland)
phone: 0800 917 1414
