LURGAN MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR ASSAULT ON ELDERLY PARENTS
A man from Lurgan has been sentenced to four months in prison following an incident involving violence and property damage against his parents.Philip Archer, age 46, admitted to four counts of common assault, two counts of criminal damage, and disorderly behaviour at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
The court heard that the incident happened on June 18 at about 9:30 pm when police responded to reports of a domestic disturbance.
The victim reported that her son, who was intoxicated, had pushed both her and her husband to the ground to stop them from leaving the residence.
Archer then went to sleep, and although the situation calmed temporarily, he resumed drinking the next morning.
His mother also said that Archer tore apart her “good bible” and shattered her reading glasses.
He was subsequently detained by police, and during his interview, he acknowledged pushing his parents but claimed his father had overreacted.
When asked about their ages, Archer believed his father to be 75 and his mother 80.
It was revealed that Archer had been held on remand since his June arrest and had previously been convicted of assaulting his father in August of the previous year.
District Judge Bernie Kelly described Archer’s behaviour as an “absolute disgrace,” adding that many parents live to see their children reach advanced ages, unlike Archer’s parents.
She emphasized the seriousness of attacking elderly parents, labeling the offences as heinous, and sentenced Archer to four months’ imprisonment on all charges.
A restraining order for three years was also granted, stating that Archer must seek help if he cannot control himself, or he risks further separation from his parents.
