Blackburn son, 35, made life hell for his parents (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn son, 35, made life hell for his parents

1:18pm Friday 7th September 2012 in News

A 35-YEAR-OLD man who made his parents’ lives “hell” has been jailed for 20 weeks.

Blackburn magistrates also banned Paul McDonald from having any contact with his mum and dad for the next five years after hearing how he invaded their lives, demanding money and making threats.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Samuel and Mary McDonald, who are both retired, were at the end of their tether.

“His conduct is affecting their health and wellbeing,” said Miss Allan. “They are afraid to answer the door in case it is their own son.

He has been made subject of a restraining order before but there were numerous breaches and he was sent to prison on several occasions. His parents say the only time they can get any respite is when their son is in prison.”

Miss Allan said McDonald had only been out of prison for one and a half weeks but had been to their house six or seven times. “Such is their state of fear they check before answering the door and when Mr McDonald saw it was his son he pleaded with his wife not to answer the door,” said Miss Allan.

“Mr McDonald says his wife physically shakes when their son comes to the door.”

McDonald, 35, of Argyle Street, Blackburn, had previously pleaded guilty to harassment but was dealt with in his absence after refusing to leave his cell at Greenbank police station.

Ian Huggan, defending, said the harassment of his parents was “sad and upsetting”.

“His parents want him to sort himself out and if he is not under the influence of alcohol he is welcome back. Unfortunately alcohol is a major factor in his life.”