'Fear of violence' - Traumatised son of man stabbed to death attacked South Tyneside Metro worker
A man suffering from PTSD after his father was stabbed to death attacked a Metro worker after being denied a rail journey in South Tyneside.
A man left with a distrust of authority after his dad was stabbed to death attacked a Metro worker after being refused a rail ride in South Tyneside.
Nathaniel Wardle, 22, tried but failed to land punches on the employee on the South Shields transport interchange rail platform, a court heard.
Wardle, of Morris Street, Birtley, Gateshead, had bought a valid ticket on Tuesday, April 7, along with his brother and his partner.
But after stepping onto the station concourse, they were approached by a team of nine staff members and informed they could not travel.
In frustration at being given no explanation why, Wardle, who has nine previous convictions, the last two years ago, lashed out.
At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, he pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault – but his solicitor instead criticised the rail employees.
Mark Styles claimed they had used unnecessary force and had given no reason why Wardle could not use the train.
Prosecutor Syed Ali said: “Three people were denied entry and were aggressive and used words and language that was not up to standard.
“There was fear of violence from the defendant. The victim says that at one point they were trying to get them to leave the scene.
“The defendant, who was in a blue tracksuit, began throwing punches at him.
“No punch landed on any part of the victim – he has darted out of the way of the punches. The police have been contacted and they arrested the defendant.”
Mr Styles said Wardle had been left suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after his dad was killed in Wallsend in June 2022.
The following February, a 19-year-old man was jailed for over 12 years for manslaughter and an 18-year-old to two years for having a knife.
He revealed Wardle’s experience of the police investigation had made him wary of authority.
Of his Metro offence, Mr Styles said six of the nine employees had used force in attempting to get them off the platform.
He added: “There is a mistrust of authority. With his PTSD, it can be fight or flight.
“The offence was on April 7 and we’re now at court in July and no one has still explained to Mr Wardle why he wasn’t allowed on the Metro.
“He and his brother and his brother’s partner were on the platform and had paid for tickets.
“Nine members of staff told them they weren’t allowed on the train. They were shepherded off the platform.
“He showed them his ticket. The first force and only physical force used was by six members of staff towards him and his brother.
“They were forced to the floor and have been pinned to the floor. There were punches thrown, with no connection.
“I’m still at a loss to know why they were asked to leave.”
Magistrates sentenced Wardle to a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay a £26 victim surcharge.