Cooley’s owner pleads guilty to assault of teenage girl

The offences were committed between June 2011 and August 2012, when the victim was 16-years-old.

The 51-year-old had initially denied the charges but the day after a jury was sworn to try the case he applied to be re-arraigned and entered a guilty plea.

Two further charges of sexual assault and attempted sexual assault were left on the books not to be proceeded with.

The jury had been told that Gaile is the owner of Cooley’s Bar in the Magilligan area.

A second man admitted giving false information to police during their investigation into the sexual assault.

David John Bowerman, of Seacoast Road, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice on February 19, last year.

Sentencing was adjourned for probation pre-sentence reports to be compiled.

Judge Philip Babington thanked the jury and said in sex cases it is ‘always better if the injured party doesn’t have to give evidence’.

Both the defendants were released on continuing bail and will appear in court again on May 6.

Gaile is now subject to the notification requirements of the sex offenders register.