Michael Rowan, 47, of East Lea, Blaydon, Gateshead, injured his 71-year-old mother when he kicked in her front door and forced his way inside. The incident occurred on May 16 at his mother's home in Gateshead, where she had hidden inside because she did not want to let him in.
According to prosecutors, Rowan, who was drunk, kicked down the door, breaking the latch and lock. As the door flew open, it struck the victim, causing pain to a pre-existing hip injury. Police later found Rowan "heavily intoxicated" in the next street.
Court Hearing and Guilty Plea
At Newcastle Magistrates' Court, Rowan pleaded guilty to using violence to secure entry to a premises and assault by beating. Jasmine Dodds, prosecuting, said Rowan forced entry by kicking down the door, and the door hit the complainant, causing her hurt.
Rowan pleaded guilty on the basis that he believed something was wrong with his mother and wanted to check if she was okay. In a victim statement, the mother said the incident left her feeling "vulnerable and shaken," adding, "I don't want Michael coming to my property no more."
Previous Convictions and Sentencing
The court heard that Rowan had 49 offences on his record, including six for violence. He was last in court in 2017, when he was jailed for three years for robbery.
Paul Kennedy, defending, said Rowan had been drinking but genuinely believed something was wrong with his mother. Mr Kennedy added that Rowan now has no contact with his mother due to a family fallout and has no desire to go to her street.
Rowan was given a 12-month community order and made subject to a restraining order lasting the same period.
