Boozed-up son 'smashed up dad's home', Sheffield court hears

Oliver Joseph Bell, who lives with his dad at Wilson Avenue, in Rawmarsh, Rotherham, struck a wall and plasterboards and also smashed a living room window, according to a Sheffield Magistrates’ Court hearing on June 4.

Mark Hughes, prosecuting told the hearing – sitting at the Sheffield Crown Court building – that 27-year-old Bell and his father had been drinking on-and-off during the day when his son went out to get whiskey about 11pm and returned with a friend which led to an argument.

Mr Hughes said Bell struck a wall in the hallway and plasterboards in the house and swung a broom at the living room window before the complainant struck his son over the head in self-defence.

The complainant claims his son is a regular drinker and uses cocaine, according to Mr Hughes.

Jobless Bell, who is on benefits, pleaded guilty to causing damage valued at £500 and admitted breaching a conditional discharge which had previously been imposed for damaging appliances at his father’s home.

Matthew Shepherd, defending, said both the defendant and the complainant are drinkers and during the incident the defendant was struck over the head and suffered a fractured skull and a suspected fractured elbow. Mr Shepherd conceded that Bell does use cocaine recreationally.

District Judge Grace Leong sentenced Bell to a 12-month community order with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation.