David Corkin
Assault, Strangulation, and Racially Aggravated Harassment *
Sentence
12 months suspended for 18 months with 150 hours unpaid work and £500 compensation to male victim and £1,000 to female victim
On June 24, 2024, David Corkin, 54, of Naworth Terrace, Jarrow, assaulted two neighbours while they were drinking. Initially light-hearted jibes with a former friend turned aggressive; Corkin punched the man pre-emptively, leading to a fight on the ground. He then grabbed the woman by the throat, pushing her down, causing her to struggle to breathe, become sick, and chip a tooth. The male victim suffered swelling and bruising to his face. After arrest, while being transported to the police station, Corkin racially abused a white police officer due to his dark hair, beard, and eyes, wrongly assuming he was not white, using vile insults and chanting Tommy Robinson's name. The victims reported feeling unsafe, fearful, and anxious, with the woman installing security cameras.
Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault, strangulation and racially aggravated harassment. Has 17 previous convictions. Recorder Tom Moran noted the foul and disgusting racist abuse towards the officer. Defence stated he was an alcoholic and drug addict at the time, now reformed, working, and remorseful.