Christopher Harrison snatched Gaurav Shukla's £450 phone as he was sending a text to a friend as the Metro train pulled into North Shields station.

And when Mr Shukla, 19, tried to get the phone back Harrison ran off.

But Mr Shukla followed and the pair ended up grappling on the floor late on February 10 this year, Newcastle Crown Court was told.

Harrison, with 43 previous convictions, punched, kicked and bit Mr Shukla to try and escape, the court was told.

But the 26-year-old was traced and caught when he dropped his own mobile phone at the scene.

Harrison, of Ripley Avenue, North Shields, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and theft when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

Jailing him for 18 months Judge David Wood said: "This was a serious assault on public transport, where ordinary people should be allowed to travel safely.

"Only custody can be justified in this case."

Tony Glover, prosecuting, said Mr Shukla lost consciousness after the attack and woke up to find police and station staff around him.

He was taken to North Tyneside General Hospital and treated for bruising, swelling and a black eye.

In a victim impact statement read out in court Mr Shukla said the black eye may have been responsible for him losing his job, as it sent out the wrong impression.

Peter Schofield, defending, said Harrison was earning £250 as a roofer and will have employment available to him when he is released from custody.