A SON who threatened to 'smash' his mother's skull in with a hammer and told her to 'drop dead' has been sentenced to 14 weeks in prison.

Simon Collinson, 31, appeared before Preston Crown Court after turning up at his parents house in Parker Street, Chorley, in February, breaching a restraining order.

The court heard how Collinson, who had suffered from mental health problems, had visited his parents, Alan and Teresa Collinson, and asked to 'come in for a brew' at noon.

Francis McEntee, prosecuting, said after being told he could not come, it appeared he left, however returned sometime later and was seen to be 'winding himself up'.

He said: "He became abusive, he was shouting and swearing, but he did appear to go away.

"Some minutes later he appeared at the front window, but was seen to go away.

"It was then at 2.15pm the defendant returned banging on the front door.

"Mrs Collinson went to the door, he had returned with a hammer.

"The defendant said 'I will smash your skull in now' and pointed the hammer at her.

"He said I hope you have a heart attack tomorrow and drop dead', she suffered from angina."

The court heard Alan had opened the door to make sure Simon did not damage the car.

Mr McEntee said Alan and Teresa had revealed she had suffered a lot of stress within a victim statement.

He said: "Mr Collinson said he was not sleeping well at night.

"He says 'I feel guilty' (over his son's behaviour).

"Mrs Collinson is feeling the stress.

"She has problems with asthma, made worst by stress.

"She is finding it difficult sleeping too.

"She does not go out, when not at work she stays at home."

Simon, of Park Road, Chorley, has been previously found guilty of 52 offences from 28 appearances in court.

Claire Larton, defending, said her client had not been in custody for four years.

She said: "This took considerable effort, he said he thought he was done with jail, he does not want to go back.

"He needs help.

"He thought he was capable with of managing his emotions.

"He 'asked for a brew' he did not go there asking for a fight, not go to cause trouble.

"He was winding himself up. He would never hurt his parents physically.

"His record does not show violence.

"He has a daughter of 12 years old, he sees her on a regular basis, he is in his view a good father.

"He had been taking medication for his mental health. He has had an amphetamine addiction for more than 12 years.

Simon had pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order, possession of an offensive weapon and common assault.

Judge Sara Dodd said: "Coming from their (the parents) statement, they are frightened of you.

"They feel guilty because they love you and you are their son.

"I have no option to send you back to custody for these offences.

"I have given you credit for your guilty plea."