CONVICTED (2017) | Christopher Thomas Galloway, born May 1958, of Dalmore Way, Irvine KA11 2BT – kicked four dogs on three separate occasions in just seven weeks; assaulted two dog-walkers and racially abused a third
Retired accountant and father-of-eight Christopher Galloway was convicted of animal cruelty. He was also found guilty of assaulting an elderly man and a young mother, as well as racially abusing a nurse whom he wrongly thought was Asian.
Passing sentence, Sheriff David Hall told Galloway his behaviour had been “quite bizarre,” telling him he “should’ve known better”.
Despite initially denying the charges, Galloway apologised for his actions in court, saying “with hindsight” he may “have overreacted”.
Following a three-hour trial in March 2017, Galloway was found guilty of nine of 12 charges against him. He was found not-guilty of three others.
One of his victims is to be compensated £300 after Galloway chipped her tooth when he punched her, cutting her lip and leaving her face bruised.
Heather Hargreaves and sister Pamela Cox told court during trial how, on February 13, 2017, two of their three dogs had been kicked by Galloway.
Upon confronting him about hitting their dogs – including a Jack Russell puppy – Galloway punched Ms Hargreaves on the face whilst holding the handle of his extension lead.
Court heard that the 35-year-old required dental treatment. Her sister Pamela managed to get a picture of Galloway and reported the matter to the police “immediately”. He was arrested later that day.
In court he said: “I was trying to get away when she was coming after me trying to get a picture. I thought to myself, ‘I can’t believe this has happening again, this is the third time in just six or seven weeks’.
But Tash, my dog, was in danger. He wasn’t in mortal danger this time like it was the first time. The two of them were in my face, shouting and swearing.”
Galloway claimed that he ‘may have’ put his hands up in defence, holding his extension lead, which he now thought is likely to have hit Ms Hargreaves.
He added: “I wouldn’t hit a woman, but I now believe I probably have done that by accident, and I’m so sorry about that.”
Defending, Mr Murray said Galloway accepted the way he had dealt with a “number of situations over the last 12 months” was “wholly unacceptable”.
He also said that Galloway had relinquished ownership of his dog Tash, rehoming him to someone in Stirling.
Sheriff Hall said: “The ramifications of your behaviour have caused difficulties to your immediate family and extended family, but you’re the author of your own path.”
Sentence: one-year supervision order; 150 hours’ unpaid work; £300 compensation to the assault victim.