Teenage thug hit security guards at cinema
‘BOISTEROUS’ GROUP WERE DENIED ENTRY
A teenager has been ordered to do unpaid work after he punched two security guards when he was refused entry into a cinema.
Cameron Maguire was thought to be part of a group of “boisterous” youths with scarves over their faces when they were told by staff that they weren’t being allowed into Cineworld, in The Gate, in Newcastle city centre.
But, while most of the youngsters left the scene, the 18-year-old stayed behind and started arguing with one of the employees, a court heard.
And Maguire’s behaviour soon escalated as he shouted, “I’m going to knock you spark out” before swinging a punch, which hit the worker and another security guard.
The teen, of Brinkburn Street, in Byker, had initially denied two counts of assault by beating but changed his plea to guilty the day before he was due to stand trial at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutor, Glenda Beck, said that it was around 7.05pm on March 8 this year that a staff member noticed a group of youths outside the cinema.
“The witness noticed 20 boisterous males at Cineworld and some were using scarves to cover their faces,” Ms Beck continued.
“They were informed they would not be allowed in and a large proportion of the group ran away. The remaining males were again told they would not be allowed in.
“The defendant shouted, ‘I have money, why can’t I come in?’ and the complainant approached him.”
Magistrates were told that Maguire was again refused entry and he told the security guard to “take his shirt off and come outside” as he was going to “knock him spark out”.
Another staff member then got in between the pair and Maguire swung a punch with his left fist, which struck one employee to the face and the other in the head.
Neither were seriously injured, Ms Beck said, and Maguire was arrested, claiming he’d acted in selfdefence.
In a statement, one victim said: “I’m sick and tired of teenagers going around acting like they can do what they want and not fear the consequences.
“I don’t think they realise how this affects people.”
Janice Hall, mitigating, said Maguire, who only has a caution for assault on his record, claimed he wasn’t part of the initial group of youths and couldn’t understand why he was being refused entry.
The solicitor added: “It was a glancing blow in the direction of the male security guard’s face but the female complainant gets in between the two of them.
“It’s two assaults but one action. There’s no suggestion it was a prolonged incident.” Magistrates gave Maguire a 12-month community order, with 40 hours of unpaid work, and told him he must pay a total of £100 compensation and a £90 victim surcharge.
I’m sick and tired of teenagers going around acting like they can do what they want and not fear the consequences