A man has been jailed for attacking a taxi driver with a toxic substance in Newcastle city centre.

Alan Thomas pleaded guilty to attempted wounding with the purpose of causing grievous bodily harm.

The assault happened on July 26, at 10.50pm when the 47-year-old driver was parked on Grey Street near Fitzgerald's wine bar.

Thomas approached a table outside the bar & was seen to pick up and remove an ashtray.

The taxi driver told him to put it back & Thomas came over & there was an exchange of words.

Thomas then took a bottle out of the bag he was carrying & sprayed the taxi driver in the face with a toxic substance.

The driver felt a burning sensation in his eyes & was aware of a chemical smell & he shouted for help.

Police were called & Thomas was arrested a short time later.

Officers recovered the bottle used by Thomas & a forensic examination identified the contents as ammonia.