His elderly grandparents took him in when he had nowhere else to live - then he put them in hospital

A violent thug whose grandparents offered him a place to live when he had nowhere else to turn put them both in hospital after attacking them.

Lewis Courtney, 24, left his grandma, 63, and grandad, 74, 'petrified' and 'living in fear' after they had welcomed him into their home earlier this year.

On May 29, Courtney 'quickly became volatile and verbally abusive', court heard. He then attacked his grandmother, striking her to her face and hips, causing significant bruising, Cheshire Police said.

READ MORE Man who killed footballer, 20, at 'car meet' told to expect long prison sentence

Courtney’s abuse continued the next day when they returned to their home in Winsford, Cheshire, from visiting the local chip shop. He 'became irate' and attacked his grandmother for the second time.

He grabbed at the back of her top and pulled her backwards, dragging her from the bathroom to the bedroom. He then assaulted his grandfather, a 74-year-old man, punching him in the face and ribs, a court heard. They were both taken to hospital with their injuries.

Following the police report, Courtney was arrested and subsequently charged with section 18 assault against both grandparents. He later pleaded guilty to one count of section 20 grievous bodily harm and one count of section 47 assault.

Courtney, of HMP Altcourse, appeared at Chester Crown Court on November 18, where he was sentenced to 47 months in prison.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant James Elliott, of Cheshire Police, said: “Courtney took full advantage of his grandparents, who were already vulnerable and recovering from pre-existing health conditions when they welcomed him into their home at a time when he had nowhere else to live.

“The victims have suffered a horrific ordeal and were made to live in fear, petrified of the abuse at the hands of their own grandson.

“I welcome the sentence handed to Courtney, and I hope this result will provide closure to the victims and their family and allow them to move forward with their lives.”