Northampton man banned from contacting parents after threatening to stab mother with a fork

Darrell Taylor, of Maidencastle, Blackthorn, had been held in prison since assaulting his mother at her bungalow in Kislingbury on December 21 last year following a row over money.

At Northampton Magistrates’ Court yesterday the 42-year-old was given a 12-week prison term for the assault and for causing damage to a picture frame he threw during the incident.

Prosecuting Sukhjit Singh said Taylor had been living with his parents, both in their 80s, as his father had dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

But on December 21 a row erupted over money during the family breakfast.

Mr Singh said Taylor “wrapped up a towel into a ball and threw it at his mother”, which caused his mother’s eyes to water.

He also threatened to “pour oil over her”.

At around 4.30pm that day tensions flared again and Taylor “demanded £100 so he could pay a parking fine and his car insurance”, Mr Singh said.

But when his request was refused he became enraged and said to his mother “If you don’t give me this money I will smash up the house and garden”, the prosecutor added. He then warned his mother: “I will stab you in the neck with a fork.”

Taylor had pleaded not guilty to the offence and was due to face a trial today, but changed his plea to guilty at a late stage, a move he claims was to spare his mother having to appear in court.

District Judge Tim Daber handed Taylor a 12-week prison term and restrained him from contacting his parents in any way, except through his siblings, for a 12- month period.

Defending for Taylor, Matthew Aldwinkle, said: “This is one of those unfortunate family situations where there was a great deal of tension.”

He added: “Mr Taylor fully accepts that he lost his temper.

“There were arguments over money, and he accepts that he said some unpleasant things.”