MAN JAILED FOR ILL-TREATMENT OF HIS OWN GRAN
A man who repaid his grandmother’s kindness for taking him in when he was at risk of homelessness by acting in a “difficult, violent and unpredictable” manner over several months.Ben Walker, 26, persistently asked his 73-year-old grandmother for money to buy cannabis.
When she refused or was unable to meet his demands, he responded with aggression, shouting and making threats, and at times resorted to violence.
Durham Crown Court was told that over just over four months from early August to January 10 he attacked his grandmother on at least three occasions, threatened her with a knife, damaged her home, and committed acts intended to humiliate and degrade her, such as deliberately tipping her off her armchair.
As a result, his grandmother lived in fear within her own home, worried that anything she said might anger her moody and petulant grandson.
Prosecutor Ian West noted that Walker had similar episodes with other family members at his own home, which resulted in him being detained in custody last year and barred from returning to his mother’s residence.
After his release from custody, his grandmother allowed him to stay at her house in West Auckland, initially to provide him temporary accommodation until he could secure something more permanent.
“She has had problems with him previously, exacerbated by his habitual cannabis use.
“This impacted on her as he would demand money from his grandmother and if she didn’t give him any he would ‘kick-off’, threatening her and threatening to smash things up.
“He assaulted her on a regular basis and she described herself ‘treading on egg shells’ in her own home, constantly asking him to move out, which he refused to do.” Mr West said the specific assaults included punching and grabbing her by the throat.
“She said she felt terrified and reached the point where she felt she could not continue to live like that anymore.” Mr West said she went to a neighbours’ house and broke down crying, outlining her experiences with her grandson.
Walker, 26, whose address was given by the court at Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, admitted three counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, but denied controlling or coercive behaviour within a family relationship.
He was convicted of the latter charge and sent to the crown court for sentence.
Chris Baker, in mitigation, said Walker has been diagnosed with adhd, but has failed to engage with support services offered, and also has learning difficulties.
“His behaviour is almost that of a petulant, petty child when he doesn’t get what he wants.” Imposing a 32-month prison sentence, Recorder David Gordon told Walker: “Your grandmother was kind enough to take you in and you responded with months of difficult, violent and unpredictable behaviour.” The Recorder put in place a restraining order forbidding Walker from approaching or contacting his grandmother, “indefinitely”.
