Addict escapes jail after attacking mum

Burnley magistrates heard how Kristian Lee Taylor (21) kicked Karen Taylor’s arm in a row over cash and the state of her Padiham house after she had been on holiday and he had had a week “home alone”.

The defendant had shouted at the victim until she agreed to a £28 bank transfer, after which Taylor smashed a mirror, assaulted her, apologised, picked up a brush to sweep up the glass, but got angry and ended up snapping it.

The defendant, said to have mental health issues, has a previous conviction for assaulting his mother on Christmas Day and his record also includes battery on a female neighbour when he was drunk.

Taylor, who works in web development, graphic design and marketing, was in breach of a suspended sentence, but kept his freedom. The defendant, of Harley Street, Burnley, admitted assault by beating and damage on March 11th.

He was given 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, with a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and fined £30. Taylor was told to pay an £80 victim surcharge, £165 compensation and £350 costs. He also received an 18 month restraining order, banning him from Inglewhite Fold, Padiham.

Prosecutor Mr Dominic Howell said Taylor’s addiction cost more money than he earned and his mother had effectively subbed him £25-a-day. Rows frequently developed. She agreed to the transfer thinking it would calm the situation down.

He then put his fist through the mirror and kicked his mother’s arm recklessly, causing her pain. Mr Howell said: “It’s his record that is the most worrying.”

Miss Janet Sime (defending) said Taylor had used cannabis as a result of ongoing issues with depression and mental health issues. His GP had now put him on new anti-depressant medication.

She continued: “He was reliant on alcohol and later cannabis, which has caused him endless problems with his family and in particular with his mother.”

Miss Sime said his mother had “gone absolutely mad at the state of the house,” when she came home early. The solicitor continued: “He had had no cannabis and was in a terrible state. He immediately started shouting at his mum for money. She transferred some money and he wanted to explain to her why he was in the state that he was in. He kicked out in temper, catching her arm. He didn’t intend to do that. He did not intend to assault her.”

Miss Sime said Taylor now had his own accommodation, had been to Inspire (the treatment service) to get help and had not had touched alcohol or cannabis since. She added: “There is nobody more ashamed of his actions than this young man who stands in the dock. He is fully aware that he’s been at risk of prison. The fear of it is often enough.”

Sentencing, bench chairman Mr John James said the justices had seriously considered sending the defendant to custody.

He told Taylor: “It was a mighty close call, young man, I can tell you.” Mr James added: “It’s a horrible, horrible situation when a son attacks their parent, in particular their mum in her own home, for no reason at all.”