Buzz Smith, of Shields Road, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to two counts of ABH and one count of theft at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to 28 months in jail at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday 31 January.

The court heard how on Thursday 8 April 2021, shortly after 21.00, Smith approached a 17-year-old boy as he walked from Brockley Whins Metro station in South Shields.

Smith demanded a cigarette from the boy before punching him to the ground, knocking out one of his teeth, stealing his phone and running off.

The victim managed to make his way back to the metro station to raise the alarm before asking a stranger to walk him home.

On their way they encountered a group of teens who had witnessed the assault and called the police.

One of the boys, a 14-year-old, was also assaulted by Smith, who demanded money from him, punching him twice in the face and breaking his glasses.

Investigating officer DS Graham Marshall-Batey said: “Smith is an opportunistic bully who behaved in the most cowardly manner, picking on two defenceless young boys.

“Both his victims remain affected by what happened that evening. One is still receiving dental treatment as a result of Smith’s violence.

“While incidents like these are very rare on the rail network, we will always do everything possible to bring offenders to justice.