Ex-Darwen FC manager repeatedly punched elderly dad in money row

EX-DARWEN FC MANAGER REPEATEDLY PUNCHED ELDERLY DAD IN MONEY ROW

A former manager of Darwen FC repeatedly punched his 79-year-old father before trying to drag him out of his car.

The Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard that as the victim drove off, he felt the back of his head and realised he was bleeding heavily from a cut.

Ian McGarry, 51, of Hall Carr Road, Rawtenstall, pleaded guilty to assaulting his father Thomas McGarry, causing him actual bodily harm.

He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Prosecutor Kate Moore said McGarry turned up at his dad's house demanding money.

The older man drove his son to a cash machine and withdrew £250, which he handed over.

In the car, he told his son to make it the last time, and he couldn't borrow any more, leading to an argument.

Mr McGarry then punched his father multiple times to the head and attempted to drag him out of the car, but his father held onto the steering wheel.

He drove off, realizing the back of his head was bleeding due to the attack.

The defendant has acknowledged starting the fight after losing his temper and has taken responsibility for his actions, expressing deep shame.

Earlier this year, McGarry had been in court over threatening behavior and mentioned that spending time with his father playing golf had 'turned his life around' after a heroin addiction.