CHRISTOPHER BEST ATTACKED MUM WITH FORK AFTER TAKING KETAMINE AND SMOKING JOINTS
A man who assaulted his mother with a carving fork and caused her injuries has been sentenced to prison.Christopher Best, aged 32, initiated his violent attack on May 29 after consuming Ketamine and smoking cannabis earlier that day.
That evening, after watching TV and falling asleep, he told his mother not to come back home until midnight, so he could be alone.
His mother returned just after 10pm, and Best then attacked her, chasing her around their home and stabbing her with a Kenyan-sourced carving knife.
Prosecutor Mehran Nassiri told Leeds Crown Court that Best was residing with his mother and cousin in Wakefield, following the death of his sister, the failure of his business, and a breakup.
His cousin, who has Down Syndrome, was away at the time and was due back at midnight.
He explained: "Best had moved into the house five months before after losing his waste management company.
The complainant said that over the last year, he had relapsed and was suffering from PTSD.
He had lost his grandparents, his business, and became depressed.
She mentioned he had sleep problems, drank alcohol, and used cannabis." The court heard that after his mother left on May 29, Best asked her not to return until midnight because he wanted solitude.
When she came back shortly after 10pm, she asked if he was planning to see his GP again, and he responded, "no pills, no pills." She then checked train times to see her son’s half-brother before returning to her television, only to find him crouched in the kitchen.
Mr Nassiri stated: "She inquired about his activity and described his eyes as appearing crazy.
The carving fork, which had been in the household for two decades and originally brought from Kenya, was retrieved, and he ran at her with it." She fled to the living room as Best continued stabbing her with the weapon, calling out, "I'm your mum, it's me." The fork was dropped, and he began punching his mother, muttering incoherent words.
She managed to escape and fled to a friend’s house, where police were called.
She was treated at Pinderfields Hospital, where she was found to have sustained an eye laceration.
After arresting Best, police reports indicate he told them he had watched TV and then fallen asleep.
He admitted to using ketamine at regular intervals and smoking five cannabis joints during the day.
He claimed he couldn't recall his actions post-TV viewing, though he acknowledged responsibility when shown images of her injuries and said he did not recognize the weapon.
Legal counsel Satpal Roth-Sharma noted that Best expressed sincere remorse and had written a letter to the court apologizing for his actions, attributing his violence to an overpowering influence.
She added that PTSD, related to a previous robbery at his residence, and his recent life circumstances, contributed to his state.
A report by the learning and diversion team indicated he showed no mental health signs but linked his drug consumption and PTSD to paranoid thoughts and trust issues, possibly leading to his offending.
Best had a prior conviction for assault causing actual bodily harm from 2021 and pleaded guilty to wounding with intent relating to this incident.
Since his detention, Best has engaged in treatment for substance abuse and completed various courses.
He now accepts psychological support and has been prescribed medication in custody.
Judge Simon Batiste sentenced him to three years and nine months, describing the attack as a "lengthy assault." He noted the injury to his mother’s eye was serious but could have been worse.
The judge warned: "This was a sustained attack with a sharp weapon.
While I understand your life was in turmoil, you must remain free of drugs.
Substance abuse was the cause of these offences, and if you relapse, the risk of further harm remains." Best conveyed his intention to abstain from drugs forever, stating: "I plan to never touch anything again."
