A family has been convicted for their involvement in a brutal and premeditated stabbing at a Midlands caravan park, following a complex police investigation that revealed mistaken identity and attempts to pervert the course of justice.
Vicious Attack at The Griff Caravan Park
Members of the Galbraith family drove to The Griff caravan park in Nuneaton shortly after midnight on May 9 last year, entering a caravan where a man and woman, both in their 20s, were sleeping. The group launched a vicious attack on the man, stabbing him multiple times in what authorities described as a planned assault.
CCTV footage captured the harrowing moment the victim, aged in his 20s, fled the scene in what appeared to be his pants, with blood visible over his body. The woman managed to escape through the caravan's window during the chaotic incident.
Severe Injuries and Police Investigation
The victim sustained serious injuries that required extensive plastic surgery following the attack. After the stabbing, the Galbraith family fled the site, prompting Warwickshire Police to launch a comprehensive investigation into what detectives termed a "vicious, planned attack."
Initially, four members of the Galbraith family were arrested and charged:
- James Galbraith, 29
- Michael Galbraith, 27
- Thomas Galbraith, 24
- Anthony Galbraith, 21
All four faced charges of attempted murder and making threats to kill, and were remanded in prison while awaiting trial.
Mistaken Identity and Additional Charges
As the trial was about to begin at Warwick Crown Court, detectives discovered that the victim had mistakenly identified James Galbraith, 29. This revelation led to further investigation and the arrest of two additional individuals.
James Galbraith, 49, and Thomas McDonagh, 54, were subsequently arrested and charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice. During the seven-week trial, the judge directed the jury to find James Galbraith, 29, not guilty of the original charges of attempted murder and making threats to kill.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
The remaining five men were found guilty on all charges presented during the trial. The convicted individuals include:
- Michael Galbraith, 27
- Thomas Galbraith, 24
- Anthony Galbraith, 21
- James Galbraith, 49
- Thomas McDonagh, 54
All five will be sentenced at Warwick Crown Court at a later date. The court heard detailed evidence about the planned nature of the attack and the severe consequences for the victim.
Police Statement on the Case
Detective Chief Inspector Rich Simpkins of Warwickshire Police commented on the investigation, stating: "This has been a complex and comprehensive investigation. During the trial, the jury heard this was a vicious, planned attack and the victim underwent extensive plastic surgery due to the injuries he suffered."
He added: "I want to be clear attacks of this nature are never acceptable, and we will do everything we can to identify those responsible and make sure they face the consequences of their actions."
The case highlights the determination of Warwickshire Police to pursue justice even when investigations become complicated by factors such as mistaken identity and attempts to interfere with legal proceedings.
