North Shields yob assaulted 77-year-old grandfather after he refused to give him a cigarette
Brandon Durning, 22, has avoided jail after assaulting his 77-year-old granddad
by David Huntley · ChronicleLiveA North Tyneside yob assaulted his 77-year-old grandfather after he refused to give him a cigarette.
Brandon Durning became enraged when he was refused a cigarette and grabbed his granddad by his clothing in May this year. The 22-year-old then went on to smash a lamp after a confrontation with his own father.
Durning, who has many previous convictions, committed the offences while serving a suspended prison sentence and being the subject of a three year community order. On Thursday, Durning, previously of Banbury Way, North Shields, but now of no fixed address, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for assault by beating and criminal damage.
The court heard that on May 16 this year, Durning became angry with his grandparent, who he was living with at the time. Neil Pallister, prosecuting, said: "The defendant lives with his granddad and on May 16 this year asked him for a cigarette.
"He said 'no' and the defendant became angry and grabbed him by his clothing at his chest. He had to push the defendant away."
Soon after, Durning's dad arrived at the address and a "confrontation" took place between them. Mr Pallister continued: "His father raised a fist and the defendant retaliated by picking up a lamp and throwing it, causing it to break." The court heard that Durning's granddad did not want him to go to prison and had attended court in support.
The court was told that despite his young age, Durning had 43 previous convictions for 77 offences. In February 2022, he was given a three year community order for dangerous driving, during which he taunted police saying he was going to crash the car. A high-speed chase ensued before ending in a collision.
He had also previously committed a section 20 wounding offence when he attacked a man with a broken lager bottle at Monkseaton Metro Station and hospitalised him. In January this year, he was given an eight month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months after causing a disturbance at his granddad's address. Police found Durning hiding in a bush brandishing two glass bottles before he took up a "fighting stance".
Matthew Purves, defending, said Durning had been on remand in prison for five months. The court heard that he had issues with alcohol and his mental health.
Sentencing Durning, Judge Penny Moreland extended his suspended sentence by one month, making it eight months prison, suspended for 19 months, and handed him a new two year community order.
A 120 day alcohol monitoring requirement was imposed alongside 35 rehabilitation days. He must also complete 40 hours unpaid work.
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