A MAN risked the activation of a suspended prison sentence when he turned up drunk at his mother’s home on Christmas Eve and damaged garden furniture.

Durham Crown Court was told his mother had to seek police assistance to remove son, Shaun Parker, from her home in Ushaw Moor, only the previous day.

Paul Cleasby, prosecuting, said Parker had been subject of drug and alcohol addiction and was not welcome at the home of his mother, who feared his presence would only exacerbate her existing ill-health.

When he appeared again outside her home on December 24 he caused £90 of damage to garden ornaments and synthetic trees belonging to his mother, who, again, called police.

Mr Cleasby said Parker was arrested and, when interviewed, accepted responsibility for the damage.

The 34-year-old defendant admitted a charge of criminal damage when he appeared before magistrates recently.

But the case was sent to the crown court to be concluded as the conviction put Parker in breach of a 21-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, for wounding, imposed in December 2020.

Amrit Jandoo, for Parker, told the crown court sentencing hearing that the defendant, previously a rough-sleeper, has, since his arrest, been found emergency accommodation, and is to move into a self-contained flat provided for him in Keats Close, Stanley.

Reports presented to the court from his housing support worker and social worker said he is complying with all conditions put in place.

Recorder Ben Nolan said he did not want to affect that more favourable situation by activating the suspended sentence at this time for an unrelated offence.

“I’m anxious, if I can, to let the suspended sentence run its course.

“This was a relatively minor offence to lead to the activation of a prison sentence and we can offer his mother some protection by way of a restraining order.”

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He imposed a nine-month community order, during which the defendant must complete 20 rehabilitation activity days with the Probation Service.

Parker will also be subject of a two-year restraining order forbidding him contacting or approaching his mother.

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