MOSTYN MAN JAILED FOR ASSAULT AND HOLDING MOTHER UNDERWATER
A man who forcibly entered his mother's bathroom and held her underwater by the neck has been sentenced to prison.John Butler, residing on Mostyn Road in Mostyn, appeared before Mold Crown Court on Thursday for sentencing.
The 36-year-old was found guilty after a trial of assaulting his mother, Teresa Butler, and damaging a door and lock belonging to her earlier this year on April 23.
Prosecutor Frances Wilmott informed the court that the victim had previously assisted him in various ways, including managing accounts for a shop he operated on Saturdays.
On the day in question, she planned to visit the shop to help but was repeatedly called and urged to go immediately.
He then appeared to change his mind, telling her, 'Don’t f****** bother.' Trusting his words, she went back to her home in Bagillt and decided to take a bath, ensuring her front and back doors were locked before doing so.
While she was in the bath for about a minute, the defendant forced his way into the bathroom, telling her to get out and go to the shop.
He then grabbed her by the neck and submerged her head underwater, holding her there for roughly 10 to 20 seconds, causing her to choke as water entered her nose and throat.
After releasing her, he instructed her once more to leave the bath and proceeded downstairs.
Ms.
Butler tried to turn on her phone to call for help, but the defendant returned, now wielding a large knife.
He demanded, 'Will you get out of that bath?' and grabbed her wrist, pulling her out and causing her to fall onto a unit that broke and scattered glass on the floor.
When a phone downstairs rang, he went to answer it, giving her the opportunity to lock herself in her bedroom.
However, he kicked the door until it shattered and then left the house.
Afterwards, Ms.
Butler was left shaking and feeling ill.
The next day, Butler called his mother 56 times from withheld numbers, blaming her and telling her, 'This is the final nail in your coffin.' On the following day, he made 48 more calls.
Ms.
Butler was reluctant to involve police, but other family members eventually reported the incident after realizing the severity of his actions.
In her victim personal statement, she expressed that Butler was aware of her heart condition and asthma.
She described feeling frightened and unable to breathe after the attack, which increased her anxiety significantly.
Despite what happened, she emphasized her unconditional love for John, stating, 'A mother's love will never end.' Defense lawyer Robin Boag told the court that Butler had served in the army from age 16 until 24, completing three deployments to Iraq, where he witnessed traumatic events that contributed to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
However, Butler did not accept he had PTSD and was not on medication during the offending.
Mr.
Boag acknowledged the attack as extremely nasty and unpleasant.
Judge Nicola Saffman addressed Butler directly, noting that he broke into his mother’s bath while she was naked, held her underwater, and knew of her health issues.
The judge recognized Ms.
Butler’s reluctance to report, describing her as a loving mother concerned for her son.
The assault had a profound impact on her.
The judge considered Butler’s military service and PTSD but sentenced him to three years in prison, with half to be served behind bars and the remaining on license.
A three-year restraining order was issued to protect Ms.
Butler, who may request an early termination if she chooses.
The court ordered Butler to be placed in the veterans' wing at HMP Berwyn instead of general population.
She urged him not to let the sentence ruin him and encouraged him to work towards rehabilitation.
