Man, 52, convicted of sexually abusing child, sentenced to life in prison

Abuse began when victim was 6 years old, State Attorney's Office says

Booking photo of James Gallagher.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man convicted of sexually abusing a child has been sentenced to mandatory life in prison, the State Attorney's Office said.

James Gallagher, 52, was sentenced Thursday afternoon for two counts of sexual battery, and one count of lewd or lascivious molestation.

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The State Attorney's Office said authorities learned in August 2014 that Gallagher sexually abused the child victim on multiple occasions.

The abuse began when the victim, who is now 13, was 6 years old, the State Attorney's Office said.

Gallagher was convicted of the charges last month.