Dennis Battista, 27, has avoided jail after causing £3,700 worth of damage by throwing stones at Meadow Well Metro station in North Tyneside. The incident occurred on April 14, 2026, when Battista became agitated after being stranded at the station following the end of services.
Incident Details
Battista called the Nexus help point at the station, complaining he could not get home. Nexus contacted both police and ambulance services, but neither attended after it was deemed Battista did not require medical assistance. He then spent several hours at the station before picking up large stones and hurling them at equipment.
Prosecutor Chicke Anieto told Newcastle Magistrates' Court: "The defendant rang the Nexus help point located at the Metro station. He requested help in relation to being stranded at the Metro station and he was unable to get home." Anieto added that Nexus contacted police and ambulance services, but neither attended.
Damage and Charges
Battista shattered the screen of a ticket machine and damaged lighting fixtures, causing a total of £3,700 in damage. He pleaded guilty to criminal damage and a separate offence of shop theft for stealing a £6 bottle of wine from Aldi on May 11.
The court heard Battista has a long criminal record and is alcohol-dependent. Defence solicitor Alanna Wesencraft said: "These were all guilty pleas. Mr Battista is either sofa-surfing or on the streets and he checks his emails in the city library to keep in touch with us. He finds himself in these situations because of his difficulties with alcohol."
Sentence
Chairing magistrate Stephen Cape imposed an 18-month community order, telling Battista: "We do understand that, possibly, a lot of your offending is caused by the amount that you drink. You have got to sort yourself out, you do understand that, don't you?"
Battista was also ordered to pay £300 compensation to Nexus and £6.79 to Aldi. The court noted his guilty pleas and the pre-sentence report prepared for the hearing.
