A DRUG-fuelled man who subjected his mother to 10 years of harassment had left her feeling terrified, sick and anxious, Bradford Crown Court heard.
Samuel Hall, 25, of no fixed address, was held in custody on remand for more than six months after making threats, banging and kicking at her door, and shouting aggressively on dates in February and March.
Alisha Kaye, prosecuting, said Hall had pleaded guilty on the day of trial last month to harassment causing fear.
The court heard that his terrified mother had suffered 10 years of harassment from him.
On February 21, he banged on the door of her Bradford home at 1.30am demanding money. She gave him £10 and he left but came back soon afterwards demanding more.
He was confrontational and threatened to kill her and she felt complete fear as he shouted and said ‘You’re dead,’ Miss Kaye said.
She called the police but he left before they arrived.
The following month he turned up again and ‘exploded into a rage’ ranting that he wanted money. He returned later that day and kicked and banged on the door.
He called his mother vile names and threatened to kill her.
On March 21 he was back again to shout at her.
He was arrested and made no comment when questioned.
Hall’s criminal record included drugs offences, assaulting the police, criminal damage, threatening behaviour and harassment of another woman.
His mother said in a statement that the harassment had gone on for 10 years. He had assaulted her before and she was made to feel sick and anxious.
Jessica Heggie said in mitigation that Hall suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and his mental health had been further impacted by his use of drugs and alcohol.
While in custody in HMP Leeds he had worked to address his substance misuse and to take control of his emotions. He had attended educational courses and was a trusted wing cleaner.
He was highly motivated to change his life and knew he had caused his mother years of pain. He was remorseful and wanted to apologise.
Hall intended to live away from Bradford on his release, Miss Heggie said.
Judge Kirstie Watson imposed a five-year restraining order to protect his mother.
She said it would normally be a custodial sentence but Hall had served the equivalent of a more than 12-month jail sentence on remand and he was now highly motivated to address his issues. There was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation with ongoing support in the community.
He was sentenced to a two-year community order with accredited courses, 15 rehabilitation activity days and a six-month alcohol treatment requirement.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article