Trowbridge Thief Sentenced for Pushing Officer at Sainsbury’s

Joshua Galbraith, age 34, appeared in court. He lives at Clarks House, Oxford, and the court was in Swindon on Monday, February 10. He admitted to assault and theft, and he also failed to surrender to court; that charge was from February 7.

The first crime happened last year on September 2, 2024. Police looked for Galbraith in Trowbridge, as he was wanted for other crimes. They went to Sainsbury’s because someone saw him there last.

Four officers tried to arrest him, and he ran toward them in the store pushing a female officer down. Then, he ran away from the shop.

The officer fell forward hard, and her knee swelled and bruised badly. She saw a doctor later for something else and told them about her knee pain. The doctor worried about fluid, ordering an MRI scan and giving her crutches.

The officer said it impacted her life. Walking her dog became hard, and she struggled to balance her tasks, all because of the pain.

Then, on February 1, Galbraith stole again. He went back to Sainsbury’s, and he took two vodka bottles worth £60. CCTV showed him putting them in his bag, and he walked out without paying, running away to the right. Police never found the vodka.

The Magistrate said assaults are serious, and emergency workers need protection. The officer now has many problems, and it affects her daily life.

Galbraith apologized to the court, and he felt bad about what he did. He had been in jail recently. The judge warned him about probation, saying he risks more jail time, and he needs to comply with his probation.

The court gave him a community order that lasts for one year. He must do 15 days of activity with probation staff. They did not punish him for failing to surrender. He must pay a £114 surcharge, but he does not have to pay for the vodka.