Byker Man Given Community Order After Slapping Stranger at Central Station
A 51‑year‑old man from Byker has been sentenced after a disturbing incident at Newcastle Central Station in which he slapped a stranger’s bottom and dismissed the assault as “a daft little slap”.
Newcastle Magistrates’ Court heard that the victim was walking through the station on 2 December when the defendant approached her, made a comment, and then struck her on the backside. Shocked and disgusted, she immediately reported the incident to a police officer on duty.
Officers arrested the man at the scene. Prosecutor Clare Haswell told the court that once in custody, he became angry and minimised the offence, saying: “It was all over a daft little slap… it’s not as if I raped her.”
The court was told the defendant had 26 previous offences on his record but had stayed out of trouble since 2018. Defence solicitor Mark Styles said his client lived in supported accommodation, fully accepted responsibility and was remorseful.
“He’s asked me to apologise to the victim on his behalf,” Mr Styles said. “He hopes she can move on with her life and that this incident doesn’t have any lasting impact.”
Magistrates imposed an 11‑month community order, along with a £120 fine, £200 compensation to the victim, and a £114 victim surcharge.