JOSEPH GALLOWAY FROM PUTNEY CAUGHT AFTER ATTACK IN COLLIERS WOOD

A relentless and dangerous individual responsible for a series of sexual assault attempts was finally apprehended after a brave witness intervened and assisted law enforcement authorities. The incident took place in Colliers Wood, where a young woman was targeted by the suspect, Joseph Galloway, a resident of Upper Richmond Road, Putney.

On the evening of September 5, 2018, at approximately 9:20 pm, Galloway was observed following his victim, a woman in her twenties, as she made her way home. The sequence of events began at Colliers Wood Tube station, where Galloway initially trailed her onto a bus. The situation escalated when he attacked her from behind while she was walking along her route, forcibly pushing her to the ground. Despite her resistance and efforts to fight him off, Galloway managed to steal her purse, leaving her shaken but unharmed physically.

Police officials praised the victim for her courage and resilience during the attack, noting that her resistance played a crucial role in alerting nearby witnesses. A witness who observed the assault did not remain passive; instead, they followed Galloway onto a train, noting his appearance and the station where he disembarked. This proactive step proved instrumental in the subsequent investigation.

Thanks to the detailed description provided by the witness and the victim’s bravery, law enforcement was able to track Galloway’s movements. His actions and the evidence collected led to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings. On February 12, Galloway was sentenced to a prison term of four years and ten months, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the danger he posed to the community.

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in preventing and solving such crimes, especially in areas like Putney and Colliers Wood where incidents can have a profound impact on residents' sense of safety.