Louise Gallagher jailed for four years eight months after falsifying evidence in employment lawsuits
The former saleswoman received her sentence at Wood Green Crown Court after admitting three counts of perverting the course of justice
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Wood Green Crown Court handed down a custodial term to Louise Gallagher on 29 July 2026. The 50‑year‑old, originally from Marlborough, Wiltshire, received four years and eight months after pleading guilty to three counts of perverting the course of justice. BBC London reported that the judge, Timothy Godfrey, described her conduct as “sophisticated and planned, including lying to a tribunal judge on oath”.
Background to the fraud
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Gallagher had brought two separate employment claims. The first alleged sex discrimination by distribution group Bunzl, while the second sought unfair dismissal damages from health‑product supplier Essity. In both cases she submitted a fabricated doctor’s note claiming cancer treatment and a fictional eyewitness to support alleged sexual assaults. BBC London said she told the court that the false material was produced out of “desperation to be believed”.
The court also heard that Gallagher had earlier convictions. In 2015 she was found guilty of stealing £4,500 from an employer by forging bank statements and a bogus HMRC letter. A 2014 conviction involved purchasing £1,822 of equestrian equipment using stolen bank details taken from a woman’s handbag at an event. These prior offences were noted by the judge during sentencing.
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Both Bunzl and Essity told the court they had allocated significant resources to counter the fraudulent claims. BBC London recorded that the companies each spent “tens of thousands of pounds” on legal defence and investigations. The exact amount was not disclosed, but the statement underscores the financial impact of the fabricated case on the two firms.
Your conduct was sophisticated and planned, including lying to a tribunal judge on oath.
Judge Timothy Godfrey, Wood Green Crown Court
Legal aftermath
The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to pursue further perverting‑the‑course‑of‑justice charges that related to the invented sexual‑assault allegations. BBC London explained the CPS concluded the evidence did not satisfy the criminal threshold required for prosecution. Gallagher will serve one‑third of her sentence in custody, with the remainder to be served under the Sentencing Act 2026.
The case highlights the seriousness with which the courts treat fraudulent litigation. Residents and employees are reminded that false statements to tribunals can lead to substantial prison terms and that companies may incur considerable legal expenses defending baseless claims.
Questions this report answers
+How long was Louise Gallagher sentenced to prison?
Louise Gallagher received a custodial term of four years and eight months, as reported by BBC London. She will serve one‑third of that period in prison, with the balance to be served under the Sentencing Act 2026.
+What false evidence did Gallagher provide in her lawsuits?
Gallagher submitted a fabricated doctor’s note claiming cancer treatment and invented a witness to support alleged sexual assaults. BBC London said she produced these items while pursuing claims against Bunzl and Essity.
+Did the Crown Prosecution Service pursue all charges against her?
The CPS dropped additional perverting‑the‑course‑of‑justice charges, stating the evidence was insufficient to meet the criminal test. This decision was detailed in BBC London’s coverage of the sentencing.
+How much did Bunzl and Essity spend defending the claims?
Both companies reported spending tens of thousands of pounds on legal defence and investigations, according to BBC London. The precise figure was not disclosed, but the statement indicates a substantial financial burden.
News London Desk
This article was written at the News London news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
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