A SON attacked and threatened his own mother before taking her car without permission and ending in a police chase – all because he was refused money for drugs.

Paul Bloomfield was jailed for what Judge Ray Singh described as “despicable” offences against his mother and for the ensuing “serious and prolonged” motoring madness, at a time he was banned from the roads due to two drug driving offences.

Durham Crown Court, sitting at Newcastle, was told Bloomfield’s relationship with his parents had deteriorated due to his drug misuse.

Victoria Lamballe, prosecuting, said Bloomfield entered his parents’ home demanding money, shortly before 3pm on January 6.

He was told to leave but he grabbed his mother by the throat and squeezed so tightly she struggled to breathe.

Miss Lamballe said in pushing him off, his mother caught him on the side of the face where he had previously suffered an injury.

He pushed her backwards and kicked her to the thigh.

Although his girlfriend tried to intervene, he pushed his mother against the settee, threw her to the ground and produced a baton-type weapon, making threats and throwing coasters at her, causing a small cut.

He smashed a TV remote control, before his father intervened, telling him to leave.

But he went upstairs, grabbed his mother’s car keys and left threatening to smash the windows.

Bloomfield drove off in the car, almost hitting another vehicle going down the street.

Minutes later he was spotted on Sunderland Road, Easington, but he ignored the blue flashing lights of a police vehicle, speeding away, almost colliding with a BMW, and forcing his way between two other cars.

The Hyundai eventually became stuck after veering onto the grass verge of the A19, having clipped the wing mirror of another car.

When arrested, after trying to run away, cannabis and the baton were found on him.

The 23-year-old defendant, of Briardene Way, Easington Colliery, admitted common assault, criminal damage, possessing an offensive weapon in public, aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, without insurance and cannabis possession.

Neil Bennett, mitigating, said Bloomfield knows his behaviour was “inexcusable”, while his driving was, “clearly reckless”, and it was fortunate no-one was injured.

Mr Bennett said Bloomfield began taking cannabis aged 20 and it led to him losing his job as an HGV mechanic.

He increased his drug misuse to ease pain after being injured in an attack but has now been referred by his GP to drug services and still retains family support.

Judge Singh imposed prison sentences totalling 16 months and banned Bloomfield from driving for three years and eight months.