Newcastle Metro station robber who took offence at being called Fletcher is given Porridge
Damien Dawson, of Newcastle, has been locked up for more than four years for offences of robbery and burglary
by Rob Kennedy · ChronicleLiveA Metro station robber who took umbrage at being called "Fletcher" has been jailed.
It was just before midnight on April 4 this year that the victim was walking from a friend's home to Walkergate Metro station, in Newcastle, on his own. When he arrived, Damien Dawson was on the other side of the platform and the victim asked him for a light.
Dawson crossed the track to give him a lighter. The victim thought he was someone called Fletcher and called him by that name.
Judge Sarah Mallett, at Newcastle Crown Court, told Dawson: "You reacted in a rather bizarre way and said the next person that called you Fletcher would be getting stabbed."
Dawson asked for the man's phone but he said the battery was dead. However Dawson took it and threatened to stab him with a multi tool.
The victim pressed a panic button in the station but didn't feel safe enough to remain and so left and contacted police when he got home.
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A few hours later, Dawson carried out a burglary at a Savers store with another man while a delivery driver was in the shop. they stole items worth around £900, including perfumes and batteries. The driver said he feared Dawson had a weapon because he put his hand to his pocket.
Dawson, 22, of Westgate Road, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to robbery, burglary and possessing a bladed article. He was jailed for four years and two months.
Jane Foley, defending, said he has mental health problems and an opioid addiction.
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