The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
JUNKIE THUG BEAT UP HIS MUM FOR £40
Frail 79-year-old victim tells court ‘I’m really scared of him’
A drug addict who carried out a brutal and cowardly assault on his frail elderly mother has been jailed.
Greig Campbell’s 79-year-old mum, Pearl, was left so terrified by the attack she is planning on leaving her home in Stanground, as she does not feel safe.
On Friday Campbell (45) of no fixed abode, who has a string of previous convictions recorded against him, appeared at Peterborough Crown Court, where he was jailed for 20 months after admitting assault occasioning actual bodily harm and theft.
A restraining order was put in place banning him from contacting his mother for 10 years.
John Farmer, prosecuting, told the court: “The victim appears to be an addict, and he needed money.
“Using both his hands, he grabbed her face and chin, and pushed her back a number of times.
“He said ‘I’ll hold you there till you can’t breathe. He said he wanted money - and she threw her bank card at him.
“As soon as he could, he withdrew £40.”
Mr Farmer read a statement from Mrs Campbell to the court. In it she said: “I do not know what would have happened if I had not given him my bank card.
“His behaviour makes me really depressed. Sometimes when I am watching TV I burst in to tears because of it.
“I am really scared of him. I fear for my own safety.
“I want to move to a different house with a warden so I feel safer.”
Nenad Spasojevic, defending, said: “He is deeply sorry and deeply ashamed of what he has put his mother through.
“He hopes that during his time in prison he can take advantage of courses and help available there.”
Sentencing, Judge Sean Enright said he found ‘no evidence of remorse.’
He said: “The victim is your mother, aged 79. She is an elderly and infirm lady. You have a history of addiction.
“This was a determined and sustained attack. She suffered bruises to her face, nose and jaw.
“The victim impact statement shows she has been oppressed by you for some time, and is frightened of you.”