Meadowell Metro station sex attacker jailed for 14 months

Gallagher also stole his victim's phone

A man who sexually assaulted a teenager he befriended at a Metro station has been jailed for 14 months.

Robert Gallagher, 22, of Howdon Road, North Shields, targeted his 16-year-old victim as she waited for a train at Meadowell Metro Station on 23 July.

He persuaded her to go outside the station with him and assaulted her, then stole her mobile phone, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

He pleaded guilty to sexual assault and theft. Police welcomed the sentence.

Det Sgt Kimberley Flynn, of Northumbria Police's rape investigation team, said: "This was a horrible attack on a young woman and I would like to thank the victim and her family for supporting this investigation.

"I hope the sentence imposed will help to give her some sense of closure and help her to move on with her life.

"I would also like to thank the witness who came forward with valuable information that has helped with this investigation."