David Gallichan

David Gallichan, a 63-year-old retired teacher from Balcombe, West Sussex, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for further sexual offences following a previous conviction for possessing indecent images of children. Gallichan, who was subject to a suspended sentence and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order at the time, directed a production of the play 'Amadeus' at the Archway Theatre in Horley, Surrey, from 27 September to 8 October 2016. The production did not involve children, and the theatre implemented control measures to ensure no unsupervised access to vulnerable individuals.

Gallichan's latest offences came to light through proactive police investigations. He attempted to make contact with a young girl online and failed to disclose to police that he possessed a computer without the required monitoring software. Additionally, he engaged in sexual conversations with teenagers and adults online using a secret laptop hidden in an outdoor shed at his home. Gallichan expressed fantasies about nudist camps involving teenage boys and created fake profiles to manipulate others into sexual discussions, including pretending to be a daughter or stepdaughter to elicit responses.

On 10 September 2019, Gallichan was sentenced at Hove Crown Court for these breaches and attempts to communicate indecently. PC Louise Giles from Sussex Police, who led the investigation, stated: 'Gallichan still attempted to speak with teenagers online even after his previous conviction. He kept a laptop without telling us, which did not have the necessary monitoring software installed. He expressed his fantasies about nudist camps with teenage boys, setting up profiles and characters for several years to engage with adults and young people in sexual conversations online.' PC Giles noted that while there was no evidence of direct sexual activity with others, Gallichan posed a significant risk through his manipulative behaviour.

The Archway Theatre issued a statement emphasising their commitment to safeguarding: 'We take the safety and security of adults, children and vulnerable adults as the utmost priority... At the time David Gallichan was given a suspended sentence, the Archway Theatre Council of Management worked closely with the police and Surrey safeguarding team to put control measures in place. He was not permitted to attend the theatre when any children's activities were taking place and was not allowed unsupervised access. David is no longer a member of the Archway Theatre.'

This case highlights ongoing risks posed by convicted sex offenders who breach prevention orders, with Sussex Police conducting routine checks that uncovered the hidden device and online activities. Gallichan, previously convicted for making and possessing indecent images of children, demonstrated a pattern of seeking out sexual interactions with young people despite restrictions.