Terrifying moment: The predator stalks the victim before dragging her behind the wall and sexually abusing her in a fit of horror

THIS is the terrifying moment a predator stalks his victim before dragging him behind a wall and sexually assaulting him.

Michael Gallagher was caught on CCTV walking through Darlington town center in the early hours of June 30, 2023.

After following the woman down several streets, the 33-year-old dragged her behind a wall and sexually abused her.

The brave victim managed to scream loudly, prompting the man to flee the scene and call the police.

Fifteen minutes later, the officers found the location the suspectinsulted him and took him into custody for questioning.

Gallagher was interviewed by officers and did not respond for comment before being charged with sexual assault.

Investigators also charged him with trespassing with intent to commit a sexual offense after he broke into a woman’s bedroom and attempted to attack her just an hour earlier.

The brave woman managed to fight him off before locking herself in a bathroom and calling the police.

Gallagher, of Westmoreland Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to both offenses and appeared at Teesside Crown Court on September 22.

He was sentenced to 14 years in prison, plus an additional two years on an extended license.

During the hearing, one of the women bravely told the court how her life had changed since the incident.

“This incident has had a huge impact on me and my family in the short time since it happened,” she said.

“Simple things like walking on the street have become difficult for me. I cross the street when people are coming towards me or walking on the same side of the street.

“I was having trouble sleeping and I keep thinking about what happened; Every time I close my eyes, all I see are the man’s eyes staring back at me. I had to seek comfort by sleeping in the same bed as my mother. That was the only way I could feel safe.

“That was extremely hard for my parents too. Yet despite all of this and despite the horror of the incident, our family has emerged from this crisis stronger.

“After I told my parents what had happened, they did everything they could to support me. They are honestly the best parents I could have ever asked for and I wouldn’t have gotten this far without them.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the police officers and detectives who were involved in my case. I felt supported the entire time and they kept me updated which made the whole process easier.

“I never want anyone to go through what I went through that morning and I hope that the man who did this to me can never hurt anyone else like that again.”

PC Colin Dodgson, from Darlington CID, led the investigation. He said: “Gallagher is an extremely dangerous individual who poses a significant risk to women.

“Both women he attacked demonstrated an incredible level of bravery in reporting what happened to them and giving powerful statements; They should be proud that this put a dangerous man behind bars.

“The suffering these women endured at the hands of Gallagher, a complete stranger to them, is devastating and has had a far-reaching impact on their lives.”

“While nothing can ease the pain of what happened, I hope this sentence brings them closure and allows them to rebuild their lives.”

He added: “This was a joint effort between emergency services and Darlington Crime Squad’s B and C teams to get a truly dangerous person off the streets.

“I hope this outcome shows other survivors of sexual offenses that we take these horrific crimes extremely seriously and will work hard to bring perpetrators to justice.”

Anyone who has suffered sexual abuse should come forward and report it to the police – call 101 or 999 in an emergency.

If they do not wish to speak to a police officer, survivors can contact the Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Center on 0330 223 0099 or visit www.sarcdurham.co.uk