A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison after a series of violent crimes, including the horrific abuse of a 25-day-old infant. Joshua Grant, of Reading, appeared at Reading Crown Court on Monday to face justice for a string of offences that left both a defenceless baby and a local shop worker with significant, lasting injuries.
The court heard that in March 2023, Grant inflicted severe physical harm on an infant who was less than a month old. During the proceedings, it was confirmed that Grant admitted to breaking two of the baby’s ribs. Furthermore, the assault caused the infant to suffer from brain, spinal, and retinal haemorrhaging. The nature of the injuries was described as life-threatening, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of the victim at the time of the attack.
In addition to the child abuse conviction, Grant was sentenced for a violent robbery carried out earlier this year. In January, Grant entered a Tesco Express on Bath Road in Reading and attempted to steal goods. When confronted by a member of the shop’s security team, Grant responded with unprovoked violence, punching the guard directly in the face. The assault left the staff member with permanent damage to his teeth. Grant subsequently fled the scene with the stolen items.
Having initially absconded from legal proceedings regarding the store robbery, Grant was found guilty in his absence of both robbery and theft.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Sam Haselgrove of the Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit condemned Grant’s actions, noting the severity of the threat he posed to the community.
“Joshua Grant caused extremely serious injuries to a defenceless baby who was just 25 days old,” said DC Haselgrove. “The harm he inflicted could have had devastating consequences, and I am pleased he has now been held accountable for his actions.”
DC Haselgrove further emphasized that Grant’s pattern of violence extended well beyond his domestic abuse, noting the callousness shown toward retail workers. “Grant’s offending was not limited to this incident. He also used violence against a shop worker who was simply carrying out his duties,” the officer stated. “I welcome the sentence imposed by the court and hope it provides reassurance that offenders who commit such serious crimes will be brought to justice.”
The presiding judge at Reading Crown Court handed down the five-and-a-half-year custodial sentence, citing the gravity of the offences and the long-term impact on the victims. Grant will now begin his term behind bars, marking the end of a series of incidents that shocked the local community.
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