Lewis Nicholson jailed for racially abusing a Metro guard and suffocating his ex partner in North Shields.
Nicholson, age 26, used racist words and told the guard to go back home. He threatened to throw staff on the tracks at North Shields Metro Station on July 11, 2023. Officers found Nicholson intoxicated that night.
Nicholson kept shouting abuse at officers when they tried to handcuff him. The victim felt scared by Nicholson’s behavior, fearing he could have been hurt. The victim changed his work duties after the incident, not wanting racial abuse there, and called Nicholson’s actions “disgusting.”
Last May, Nicholson went to his ex’s home after she called to end their relationship. He banged on her doors and refused to leave when she answered. Nicholson lunged at her, grabbing her neck, and spat at her and her mother, who were at the door.
In June, Nicholson argued with the same woman while they were walking near Tynemouth. He called her names like “rat,” even though they planned to camp near the aquarium. Nicholson yelled in her face as she tried to leave.
He grabbed her neck and covered her mouth. Her vision blurred, and she might have lost consciousness. While in custody, Nicholson took courses and felt remorseful for his actions. He said he understood their consequences.
The judge noted that the Metro guard had to change jobs and avoided the Metro due to the abuse. Nicholson’s ex feared leaving her house and became anxious and depressed.
Nicholson admitted to the crimes, including public disorder with racial elements, assault, and suffocation. He got two years and ten months in jail, and a seven-year restraining order now protects his ex.