An Isle of Wight man who assaulted his mother in an “alcoholic rage” before spitting at a police van has avoided an immediate prison sentence. 

Joshua Green, of Yarborough Road, East Cowes, attended the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Tuesday, July 16.

The 34-year-old previously pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

Tim Devlin, prosecuting, said that between February 19 and February 20, Green threw a phone at his mother, causing bruising to her ribs, threatened to kill her with a blunt butter knife, kicked her foot, bit her finger and punched her arm.

When police arrived, they found Green lying on his bedroom floor and arrested him, Mr Devlin said.

Green, who Mr Devlin described as an alcoholic, proceeded to cause criminal damage to the police van, namely spitting at it, which resulted in an invoice for £201.17.   

Mr Devlin told the court Green has 18 previous convictions for 35 offences and has a history of violence towards his mother, a “vulnerable woman” who has a “toxic relationship” with her son.

Green was subject to a community order at the time of the offences. 

Oscar Vincent, defending, said his client’s mitigation is set out in the pre-sentence report and in documents sent directly to the judge, inviting him to ‘sentence accordingly’.

Judge Robert Douglas Hill said an attack on a mother by a son inside her own home is a “complete and utter disgrace.”

Judge Hill told Green: “Your mother is defenceless when you’re in an alcoholic rage.”
Green was handed a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, to include 25 rehabilitation days.