A thug who pushed his former partner onto a road into the path of oncoming cars as she tried to help him has walked free from court.
Kevin Newton launched two shocking attacks on his victim in one night after he turned up at her door in a distressed state last and she offered assistance.
A court heard the first attack happened when the woman accompanied Newton on a Metro train from Chichester, in South Shields, to Jarrow to ensure he got home safely.
Newton grabbed her by the throat then pushed her into a seat and onto the ground.
Prosecutor Peter Schofield told Newcastle Crown Court: "There is a security device in operation on the carriages and an official noted what had taken place. They told the defendant over the tannoy to stop doing what he was doing."
The court heard Newton launched a second attack when they got off the train at Jarrow, where she was pushed onto the road, into the path of cars.
Mr Schofield said: "He pushed her and at one point put her to the ground.
He then seems to have been leaning over her and punching repeatedly around her head and body."
The court heard the victim was left with a bruised face and black eye as a result of the violence.
Newton, 22, of Ecgfrid Terrace, Jarrow, admitted two charges of assault.
Judge Sarah Mallett sentenced him to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 150 hours unpaid work and programme and rehabilitation requirements.
The judge told him: "The offences arise from a single incident, extended over a period of time.
"On the Metro you began arguing with her, you grabbed her by the throat, pressed her into the seat and threw her to the ground.
"You stopped when told to do so by Metro staff.
"When you got off, you pushed her on the station platform but she still agreed to walk home with you.
"You wanted her to stay over and she said no.
"You pushed her and caused her to fall into the road and into the path of oncoming cars.
"You punched her in the face as she lay on the ground."
The court heard Newton sought help with his problems after the attack and has shown motivation to address them.
Shaun Routledge, defending, said Newton has shown "genuine remorse" and has caused no further trouble for the victim since the attacks.
Mr Routledge said Newton has been working and has "turned a corner".
