An 18-year-old who punched a bouncer and shouted racist slurs after being kicked out of a Newcastle city centre music venue has been fined £300. Warran Hart, of Sherborne Close, Darlington, admitted racially-aggravated assault by beating at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
Incident at NX Arena
The court heard that Hart was at the NX, on Westgate Road, and had been drinking. An incident occurred inside the arena, and security escorted him out. Instead of accepting the ejection, Hart launched a tirade of racist abuse at one of the bouncers, calling him a "p**** b*****d" and a "black c***". He then punched the man before being taken to the floor by colleagues.
James Rickerby, prosecuting, said the offence happened on March 21. He told the court: "CCTV footage shows the defendant being taken out of a concert at the NX Arena. He then remonstrates with security once he has been removed. He's shouting racist remarks and then, for some reason, he strikes one of the security guards. The defendant is then restrained by other security guards on Westgate Road until police arrive."
Court Hearing and Mitigation
The court heard that Hart had no past convictions and had celebrated his 18th birthday a few days before the offence. Josh Hart, defending, said his client was mortified about his behaviour. He said: "He was at the NX Arena and didn't know his limits and he became drunk. There was an incident inside the arena whereby someone pushed into him and he turned around. The security then escorted him out and he was not sure what was going on. He was feeling aggrieved at being thrown out. Throughout his childhood, he's watched domestic violence and a pattern his witnessed has bubbled out of himself."
Mr Hart said his client was dealt some "swift summary justice" by being kicked by one of the victim's colleagues.
Sentence and Judge's Remarks
District Judge Paul Currer fined Hart £300 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £120 victim surcharge. He said: "It's an unpleasant offence and it's racially-aggravated. You're of previous good character and you were young at the time and you had drank to excess. I acknowledge your behaviour was fuelled by the fact you had drank too much. Once outside the building, instead of residing yourself to the fact you were outside. You shouted at the security guard, calling him racial names such as 'p**** b*****d' and 'black c***'. Then you swung a punch at someone who had offered no violence towards you at all."
