2 hours Ago By [email protected] (Peter Craig)
A troublesome son smashed up his long-suffering elderly mother's TV and assaulted her during one of a series of frightening confrontations where he made a nuisance of himself towards her and others. She was left fearing for her safety during a later incident and she used a lifeline alert to summon help. The time had now come when the problems had to stop.
A judge told the son at a court: "She needs peace from you." Andrew Johnson, 50, of Deerhurst Grove, Bransholme , Hull, admitted an offence of violent disorder at an address in the city. Ellen Boyes, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that neighbours in the street were repeatedly disturbed by Johnson shouting.
Police were called in May last year when Johnson's mother used her lifeline alarm system to alert carers that her son had smashed up her TV and attacked her. In July last year, he admitted battery and affray and he was dealt with at court, where he received a restraining order banning him from entering the street where his 78-year-old mother, who suffers from dementia, lives. But on August 22, Johnson returned to his mother's home at 2am and a neighbour spotted the mother at her window in distress.
"She was fearful for her safety and she pressed her lifeline alert," said Miss Boyes. "When police arrived, they found the defendant asleep on her sofa." As officers roused him, he became abusive and threatening to officers and his mother.
Police also found a quantity of cannabis on him. Dale Brook, mitigating, said that Johnson had previously benefitted from the help of support agencies and his social worker had found him an address where he could live. "He has had great success," said Mr Brook.
"He did well and then deteriorated." Judge John Thackray KC said that the attack on Chapman's mother and the possession of drugs were serious offences. "She needs peace from you," said Judge Thackray.
"She has significant health issues and you need to comply with court orders." Chapman was given a nine-month suspended prison sentence, 20 days' rehabilitation and a six-month alcohol treatment programme. The restraining order banning him from entering Levisham Court will continue.
"This is an opportunity for you to work with the agencies and stay out of trouble," said Judge Thackray..
