A man who broke a police officer’s finger during an incident in Enniskillen after he stole two bottles of cider from a shop has been given probation and community service.

On April 8, 2019, police were tasked to the Chanterhill Spar shop in the town to investigate reports of theft from the shop.

CCTV footage viewed by officers identified Scott Galbraith (26), of Floraville, Enniskillen, who left the shop and walked along the Coa Road, where he was arrested, Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard on Monday.

During this arrest, Galbraith assaulted a police officer, breaking his finger, the court heard.

He was further arrested, and a search of his house was then conducted, where a small bag of ketamine was found in his bedroom.

Galbraith’s barrister, Steffan Rafferty, pointed out that this case was heard four years after the incident, and it was through no fault of his own that it took so long to reach a conclusion.

Referring to the ketamine, Mr. Rafferty said Galbraith was candid in the pre-sentence report about his addiction issues, but this type of drug was no longer a feature in his life.

Moving on to the struggle that resulted in the police officer’s finger being broken, Mr. Rafferty said this was unintentional, and while the actions of his client were “far from satisfactory”, he said Galbraith had got involved with police after a number of other people in his company had become involved.

He said Galbraith had “foolishly got involved” after witnessing the actions of others and was very embarrassed to come before the court, adding he wanted to apologise to the injured officer.

Then, on the theft matter, Mr. Rafferty told the court his client had picked up two bottles of alcohol, totalling around £8.99, and left £6 at an unmanned till before walking out.
Remorseful

He said Galbraith was fully appreciative of the seriousness of the incidents and was remorseful for his actions, and he was very anxious about the conclusion of the case.

District Judge Alana McSorley told Galbraith his alcohol and drug issues were what brought him before the court, and his actions resulted in the injury of a public servant.

Judge McSorley took into account his relatively clear record, guilty plea and the fact it happened over four years ago, but told Galbraith he needed to address his addiction issues.

For theft, possession of a Class-B drug, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, Galbraith received an 18-month probation order, 100 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay £400 in compensation to the injured officer.