HUDDERSFIELD MAN GETS SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR ABUSING HIS GRANDMOTHER
A resident of Huddersfield was sentenced for coercive control and assault against his grandmother, actions that included physically attacking her with her own walking stick and coercing her to give him money.Arron Frederick, aged 33, pleaded guilty after the extent of his abusive conduct was disclosed.
The case was heard at Leeds Crown Court, where it was noted that Frederick, who lives on Bradley Boulevard in Sheepridge, was already subject to a community order for previous controlling behavior involving the same elderly woman.
Prosecutor Anna Chambers explained that the woman, aged 88 and living alone, was regularly visited by Frederick and provided for by her.
Over several years, she recounted him demanding money, sometimes more than she could supply, leading to borrowing from neighbors to satisfy him.
Frederick would threaten harm, asking her if she was scared of him.
During one confrontation, he assaulted her with her own walking stick when she challenged him.
On a specific day in May of the previous year, Frederick instructed his grandmother to go out and buy him a fizzy drink, setting a time limit of an hour and a half.
Feeling unsafe, she asked the shopkeeper to alert the police when she was delayed, resulting in officers arriving at the scene.
Frederick also had criminal convictions for assault prior to this case.
The victim stated that the abuse affected her mental health negatively, causing her to feel depressed.
A psychiatric assessment was conducted as part of the sentencing process, and his defense highlighted his remorse and willingness to reflect.
The judge, Judge Stubbs KC, sentenced Frederick to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years, emphasizing that his behavior must stop.
Frederick expressed shame for his actions.
The judge warned him of the seriousness and potential danger his behavior poses to family members, and he was ordered to complete 35 days of rehabilitation and a nine-month alcohol treatment program.
