International student felt ‘unwelcome’ in Newcastle after racial abuse in robbery attempt

An international student has said he feels unwelcome in Newcastle after being racially abused and threatened during an attempted robbery.

Daniel Gregory attacked the student by pushing him while trying to steal from a shop in October 2024.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the student described feeling “very frightened” and “unwelcome” in the city following the attack, BBC News reports.

Gregory, 33, attacked the student, pushing him and throwing sweets at his face, while trying to steal vapes from a shop on Grainger Street on October 28th. The attack occurred during the student’s first week working at the shop.

via Google Maps

Gregory, who appeared intoxicated, initially entered the shop and tried to sell the student a pair of headphones. When the student declined, Gregory demanded to try a vape.

After being refused again, he threatened to “shoot” the student and steal money from the till. Gregory’s aggression then escalated as he pushed the student, knocked over a glass cabinet, damaging a mobile phone, and used racial slurs before throwing a packet of sweets at the victim.

In a statement read to the court, the student described feeling “very frightened” and “unwelcome” in Newcastle because of the racial abuse.

Judge Gavin Doig called Gregory’s language “disgraceful.” Gregory interrupted the proceedings to apologise for his language.

Newcastle Crown Court also heard that Gregory, who lives at Bensham Court in Gateshead, has a criminal record that includes 25 convictions for 45 offences. He is currently working to recover from drug addiction.

Gregory admitted to attempted robbery and was sentenced to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years. The suspension is on the condition that he completes a nine month drug rehabilitation program and additional probation work.

Most Read

Guys! A FOURTH Islander has quit Love Island All Stars and this is so messy

Retiring, religion and legal troubles: The Buffy cast members we probably won’t see back

Two Love Islanders have finally admitted they’re a couple after years of speculation

This incident follows the announcement that Newcastle University staff will strike in response to spending cuts, which have been partly linked to a decline in international student numbers.

This decline is thought to be influenced by a sense of hostility towards immigration in the UK, possibly exacerbated by last summer’s race riots which were fuelled by misinformation online, far right groups, and anti-immigration sentiment in the wake of the Southport attack.

Featured image via Google Maps