He attacked his mum with a coffee table then told police 'I need to learn to control my anger'

A man who violently beat his own mum with a coffee table and attacked his sister told police 'I need to learn to control my anger'.

Theodore Roche, 31, grabbed his sister by the collar and repeatedly punched her while calling her "a slag and a whore", the Liverpool Echo reports. The attack occurred at Roche's mum's home in Clubmoor, Liverpool at around 6.30pm on February 3 this year.

At Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, October 18, prosecutor Louise Santamera said: "Police were called and spoke to Helen Roche, the defendant's sister. She told officers she had been visiting her mother and while watching TV her brother's demeanour changed, he became abusive, saying 'you know what, you need a man'.

READ MORE: Driver in hospital in 'life-threatening' condition after crash near Trafford Centre

"At first she thought he was joking, but he became more aggressive, shouting in her face, and then snatched her phone out of her hand. She then asked him if he needed a man, which enraged him further.

"He grabbed hold of the collar of her jumper and punched her several times to her back and arm. He then tried to throw her out the front door, but she stumbled and fell. He then tried to slam the door on her leg, and was calling her names such as a 'slag' and 'whore'."

Roche's mum called the police, and Roche, of Westminster Road, Kirkdale, was arrested. Ms Santamera said: "While in custody the defendant made a significant comment. He said 'I need to learn to control my anger'."

He was bailed on the instruction that he did not return to his mum's address. However, on April 5 he returned to Clubmoor and banged on her windows, demanding to be let inside. Ms Santamera said: "He called her a fat c*** and threatened to kill her if she did not let him in. Mrs Roche was terrified."

Police attended, and a distressed Mrs Roche informed them her son had previously been violent towards her and that "these assaults had been occurring every few days." In January 2024 he hit her repeatedly with a coffee table, though she did not report this at the time "out of fear of the repercussions for her son".

Ms Santamera said: "Mrs Roche does say in her statement to the police that although she loves her son, she simply cannot cope any longer with his outbursts...She just cannot put up with it any longer. There's a history of abusive conduct."

Roche, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, common assault and threatening behaviour. Brendan Carville, defending, said: "He has health issues, autism. He is 31 and has a lot going for him in the sense he has a good character.

"He has understanding of his condition and needs to take help. He has taken steps with Merseycare and will start a programme with them next week."

Sentencing Roche to a total of 14 months in prison, suspended for two years, judge David Potter said: "You have been in a difficult family situation for some time. Your mother has put up with a lot over the last few years, not all of which was your fault.

"However your behaviour towards your mum in January was appalling. You assaulted her violently with a coffee table and she was petrified to tell anyone about it in case it happened again.

"During a dispute with your sister later, you assaulted her, not seriously but unpleasant nonetheless. You were given bail on the condition not to approach the house, which you did. It was a close thing that you weren't at that point remanded into custody.

"However there have been no repeated incidents since April and you have done a lot of work in the meantime. I have read letters from Merseycare that shows you're engaging in a skills for wellbeing course.

"I have also read your letter and the letter of your brother, in which you express your apologies for what you did. I accept there's a background of mental health and you're seeking to address that issue. It seems to this court there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation." He also made restraining orders banning Roche from contacting his mum and sister.