A grandson pushed over his own gran to steal £140 from her in a “disgusting” attack. James Mason’s grandmother said he was “lovely” when sober but would regularly attend her home drunk and would sometimes become aggressive when under the influence of alcohol.
On October 3 last year, he attended her property in North Shields and she initially thought he was sober but then realised he wasn’t. After she refused his demands for cash, he ended up assaulting her before helping himself to her money.
Court hears of struggle and theft
Nicoleta Alistari, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: “He kept asking her for money. His behaviour escalated and he became irate. He reached for her handbag, there was a struggle between them and he pushed his grandmother, causing her to fall back onto the sofa.”
Mason, 29, of Dowling Avenue, Whitley Bay, ran off and it was only after he left that the woman, who was not injured in the assault, realised he had stolen £140 from her purse. She rang and texted him asking him to bring it back but got no response.
Victim’s distress and sentencing
In a victim impact statement, she said: “James is a lovely person when not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Because he often turns up under the influence, I dread him turning up and having to deal with him.” She added that she was left “distressed” and said “his behaviour is unacceptable”.
Mason, who has 28 previous convictions, was originally charged with robbery but his pleas to theft and assault by beating were accepted. Now he has been sentenced to 16 weeks suspended for two years with 150 hours unpaid work and was also given a restraining order.
Recorder Harry Vann told him it was “extremely sad” that he had assaulted his gran to steal from her. He added: “You pushed her over. Thank goodness she didn’t sustain an injury. You then stole £140 from her, which is absolutely disgusting conduct by anyone, let alone when the victim is their own grandmother. This clearly has had a significant impact on her and she requires a restraining order in order to feel safe from you.”
Defence and progress
Penny Hall, defending, said Mason had been having a drink with his gran at the time and is “ashamed of himself” for what he did. She added: “He was close to her and he is devastated he acted in this way and is devastated she doesn't want any contact with him, but he knows it's as a result of his actions. He knows his problem is alcohol. He has been alcohol-free for a few months, which is great progress for someone who has such a problem. He is trying to change his lifestyle.”
