A HOMELESS man who spat at a police detention officer has been jailed for four months.

Joshua Galbraith, 29, of no fixed address, Trowbridge, appeared in court this morning and pleaded guilty to assault of an emergency worker and racially aggravated public order.

On June 23, Galbraith had been arrested and brought into custody – whilst at the custody desk being booked in, he became agitated and began resisting officers.

He then spat at a detention officer, made threats of violence towards him and racially abused him.

He was charged and appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court today.

As well as a 16-week prison sentence he was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £128.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “It is always extremely disappointing to hear about cases of this nature – violence and abuse should never be tolerated, and that includes when the violence is aimed at police officers and staff who come to work every day to protect our communities and keep us all safe.

"It is not acceptable that they should have to tolerate this kind of behaviour.

"I’m pleased a prison sentence has been given on this occasion as it reflects the seriousness of this man’s actions.”