A MAN has been jailed for assault and theft following a British Transport Police investigation.

Reece Nixon, 24, of Prendwick Court, Hebburn, was jailed for nine months after pleading guilty to actual bodily harm and theft on Wednesday, April 21, at Newcastle Crown Court.

He was also sentenced to an additional 15 months imprisonment as part of a separate Northumbria Police investigation.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how on Sunday, April 24, 2019, Nixon punched an associate before taking his mobile phone after they both left the train at Fellgate Metro Station in Jarrow, South Tyneside.

The victim attempted to get away via a lift at Fellgate Metro Station but Nixon followed him and continued the brutal assault, punching him repeatedly.

Later that day, Nixon was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

During a search of Nixon’s home, officers retrieved the victim’s mobile phone.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Colin Dore has welcomed the sentence, he said: “Violence on the railway will not be tolerated. Everyone has the right to travel without fearing for their safety. Hopefully Nixon’s sentence will give him time to reflect on the consequences of lashing out and attacking others.”