Sheffield drug addict jailed

A drug addict who flouted court orders three times to terrorise his mum into giving him cash and cigarettes, has been sent to prison.
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Christopher Howard breached the five-year restraining order which bans him from contacting his mother, or going on to the street where she lives, on September 9, 23 and October 2.

On the first occasion, after he had been released from prison, his mum gave him £60, said Zaiban Alam, prosecuting.

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"She knew he would buy drugs, but did it to prevent him being abusive," Ms Alam said. "She was frightened he would damage her property or assault her."

Sheffield Crown CourtSheffield Crown Court
Sheffield Crown Court

The second time, he smashed a whisky bottle outside her house and shouted: "I want money. I want cigarettes."

She accompanied him to Sainsbury's where she gave him £20 and bought him cigarettes and chocolate.

The third time, police were called when Howard's brother found him sitting on the toilet at their mother's house.

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James Gould, mitigating, said his mother continues to visit him every week in prison.

"The best point is that he pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity," he said.

Howard, aged 45, of Jaunty Crescent, Gleadless Townend, received 14 months in prison.

Judge Rachael Harrison told him she had read a letter from his mother that morning, pleading for leniency.

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She said: "I accept you have drug and mental health issues. I accept that your mother loves you.

"She is frightened of what you are capable of doing. If you continue to behave in this fashion, you know the sentences are going to get longer and longer."