South Yorkshire addict sliced mum's fingers with steak knife while demanding cash for drugs

Shawal Asif breached a restraining order when he entered their East Dene home in Rotherham, uninvited, on May 14, where his parents, sister and young children were present.

Prosecutor David Webster said that when Asif refused to leave, his mother offered him some loose change in a cup, but he said, "I want £5 to £10."

Asif grabbed hold of her and said: "Give me all the money," before arming himself with a steak knife and brandishing it at her and his family.

During a struggle his mother sustained "linear injuries" to her fingers, but the family managed to get him out of the house, using a broomhandle.

He escaped with £5 in change and was arrested shortly afterwards.

A bottle of Methadone was later found in his bag.

Asif denied the offences had occured at all, but spoke of wanting crack cocaine and begging outside a supermarket.

The court heard he has 15 previous convictions, including nine breaches of a restraining order, made on October 4, 2016, and to last until until further notice, which bans him from getting in touch with his family, and in particular with his mother.

Francis Edusei, mitigating, said Asif suffers from learning difficulties, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Asperger's Syndrome, which "make it difficult for him to use his common sense."

"His mother brings him food from time to time when he sits in front of a supermarket," he said.

"It's plain she still cares for him. They are concerned that he stops taking drugs and rejoins normal society."

Asif, 25, of Elm Grove, Greasbrough, Rotherham, pleaded guilty to robbery and breach of restraining order on August 20.

Recorder Mark McKone said: "It doesn't need me to tell you that it is very sad that someone could do this to his own mother."

He sentenced Asif to a total of 39 months in prison at Sheffiedl Crown Court, on Thursday. The restraining order will continue as before.

Read the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court here.

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