Man charged with murder of Megan Gallagher makes first court appearance

The man charged with first-degree murder in the Megan Gallagher case didn’t face her family during his first appearance at Saskatoon Provincial Court on Monday.

Police arrested Robert James (Bobby) Thomas, 27, in Prince George last week and charged him with first-degree murder, almost two years after the 30-year-old Gallagher was last seen in Saskatoon.

Thomas appeared via phone from jail and waived reading of the charge. He had his case adjourned until Oct. 6.

The members of the Gallagher family who packed the courtroom for the 37th time since the first person was charged said they left feeling disrespected by the justice system for Thomas not having to face them in person.

“It cut deep,” Megan’s father, Brian Gallagher, said outside the courthouse.

“It’s been two years-plus since Megan disappeared. That kind of treatment toward the families of the victims is unacceptable.”

Gallagher and his wife Debbie were asked why it was important to face the man accused in Megan’s disappearance.

“There’s something very cold about a telephone call or a video appearance. There’s something much more human about someone being in person and seeing their eyes and them having to see us as well,” Brian said.

“We’ve heard stories where people go missing and nobody appears. We want to be here.”

Thomas is the fifth person to be charged in the case. The four people arrested earlier are charged with committing an indignity to human remains.