2 weeks Ago
Previously anonymised Don Gailey (46), formerly of Castle View in Newtownstewart, faces two counts each of sexual communication with a child and attempted sexual communication. It is alleged he intentionally presented as a child to communicate with girls on dates between January 2 and 16, 2024. It is further alleged that on February 8, 2024, Gailey attempted to pervert the course of justice by presenting a male to Omagh Police Station to make a false statement as the person who committed the offences.
During a committal hearing before Strabane Magistrates Court, he spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charges against him. A prosecuting lawyer said there is a case to answer and Gailey declined to call witnesses or give evidence on his own behalf at this stage in proceedings. The defendant was remanded on continuing bail to reside at an address known to police and banned contact with witnesses and online engagement with anyone aged under 18.
He is due to appear for arraignment at on May 22. When the case first reached court last year, a defence lawyer handed in a GP letter stating “we would seek the defendant's anonymity is protected.” Press objected on the basis no advance notice was provided which is the responsibility of defence lawyers and there was ample time to do so as the matter has been publicly listed for more than a week.
District Judge Oonagh Mullan said she would not have granted anonymity before removing the order..
