In a magnetic head a read sensor is located between first and second read gap layers wherein the first read gap layer includes a read gap material layer and first and second refill gap layers. The read gap material layer has first and second depressions which extend laterally from the first and second side walls respectively of the sensor and the first and second refill gap layers are disposed in the first and second depressions and engage a bottom portion of the first side wall and engage a bottom portion of the second side wall respectively. The first read gap layer has first and second portions which extend laterally from the first and second side walls of the sensor and a third portion which engages a bottom surface of the sensor and is located between said first and second portions with each of said first and second portions having a thickness which is greater than a thickness of said third portion. A first lead layer is electrically connected to a top portion of the first side wall and a second lead layer is electrically connected to a top portion of the second side wall.