A GRIEVING son has been banned from seeing his elderly mother for five years after he admitted subjecting her to coercive and controlling behaviour.

Over a four month period, Penrith man Kevin Alan Graham, 55, became abusive and controlling towards his 78-year-old mother Gladys, Carlisle Crown Court heard. On a number of occasions, he was violent towards her.

Summarising the case, Judge David Potter outlined how Graham regularly slapped his mother on the back of her head.

“That was disrespectful of her and demeaning of her,” said the judge as he passed sentence.

But Graham’s violence escalated, the court heard. On one occasion, he punched his mother on the back of the head.

He then punched her between the shoulders. The judge said: “You then subjected her to humiliation, picking up the food she was preparing and smearing it in her face. That was highly disrespectful and it was demeaning... She was forced on that occasion to do the thing she didn’t want to do, which was to call the police.”

The pensioner was concerned for her own safety.

The defendant, who formerly lived with his mum in Wetheriggs Lane, Penrith, now lives at The County Hotel, Botchergate, Carlisle. He admitted engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour between May and July.

The judge noted that Graham had continued to pester his mother even after the police arrested and then released him.

She had opened her curtains on one occasion and was horrified to see him sitting outside on a bench in her garden.

“She was left feeling unsafe in her own home,” said the judge.

The court heard that the defendant’s mental health got worse after the death of his father. “You directed your grief, no doubt, and your anger at your father’s passing at your mum,” said the judge.

Background reports suggested Graham was in denial about his mistreatment of his mum, who still wanted to support him.

Judge Potter imposed an eight month jail term, suspending the sentence for 18 months, with 20 days rehabilitation activity and a five year ban on contacting Mrs Graham, except by phone. He must pay £200 prosecution costs.