Mother helps violent son
A MOTHER locked in her own home and strangled by her son fronted a Gold Coast court yesterday to support his release from custody.
The 38-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court to one count each of depravation of liberty, common assault, breaching a domestic violence order and possessing a knife.
A letter from his mother was tendered to the court in support of releasing the man.
Judge Katherine McGinness sentenced him to 193 days prison, all of which were served as pre-sentence custody.
That means he was released yesterday and the court was told he planned to live with one of his sisters.
“Your mother is somebody who is entitled to your respect,” Ms McGinness said.
“Your family have gone to so much effort for you.”
The man was subject to a domestic violence order on October 8 last year when he visited his mother with her permission.
The pair got into an argument and the man locked his mother in her home before grabbing her by the throat and squeezing. The man left the home with a knife after the arrival of his sister, who called the police.
He was found by police in the Broadwater Parklands threatening self-harm.
In her letter to the court, the mother said her son suffered drug addiction and mental health issues and she had arranged help for him.
She and one of her daughters cried throughout the sentencing.
The man also wrote a letter to his mother which was tendered to the court.
Ms McGinness arranged for a copy to be given to the man’s mother. He promised he would not breach the order or take drugs again.
“Not this time,” he told the court.
“I am nearly 40, it’s time to be serious.”
Ms McGinness ordered the man be released immediately.
“Have a beer and cigarette ready,” the man asked his mother as he was led from the dock.
A domestic violence order will remain in place until May 2019 with the provision the man remain well behaved towards his mother.