Garry Miller has been jailed for a racially aggravated assault in Gateshead. In the early hours of Thursday, July 2, police were called to Sunderland Road after a man in his 30s reported being threatened and goaded by a man who had repeatedly rung his doorbell.
Attack details
The court heard that the victim asked Miller why he had repeatedly rung the doorbell, and Miller used racial slurs towards the victim. Doorbell footage showed no aggression from the victim during the encounter, before Miller punched him in the face.
Sentence and police comment
The 31-year-old, of Kipling Walk, Gateshead, was arrested that day and later charged with racially aggravated public order and threats to commit criminal damage. He appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on July 3, where he pleaded guilty and was remanded in custody. Miller has since been sentenced to 30 weeks behind bars.
Sergeant Andrew Hyde of Northumbria Police's East Gateshead Neighbourhood Team said: "This was a completely unacceptable assault, made all the more serious by the racist abuse directed at the victim. There is no place for racism and violence in our communities. We will continue to take robust action against those who commit these offences."
Northumbria Police encouraged anyone who is a victim of racist abuse or assault to send a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report forms on the Force website.
