A DRUNKEN son who repeatedly beat up his sick mother has been jailed for 18 months.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Lee Harris' 67-year-old mum had previously suffered a stroke and is in poor health.

But her son, who had previously served other sentences for assaulting her, twice visited her home and attacked her.

Andrew Mackintosh, prosecuting, told the Honorary Recorder of Bolton that Harris' mother returned home at 11pm on December 20 last year, after visiting a neighbour, to find him in her house.

"There had been previous difficulties between the two and he had previously been banned under a restraining order from attending at her address," said Mr Mackintosh.

"She went to the TV to turn it on at which point the defendant came up behind her and dragged her by the back of the neck."

The mother called the police and Harris was arrested and charged with assault.

But whilst on bail and banned from contacting her, he continued to go to her house.

On May 4 he turned up again and attacked her when she objected to him

washing his clothing there.

"She had had enough of him staying there and she couldn't relax when he was there," said Mr Mackintosh.

Harris, aged 28, of Hawkshead Drive, Deane, got angry, grabbed his mother by the neck, dragged her into the hallway and banged her head against the stairs.

She was left with abrasions and bruises on her face and arms.

Harris pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and assault and appeared in court for sentencing via a video link from Forest Bank prison.

Kevin Liston, defending, said Harris has been an alcoholic for 20 years and returns to his mother's home when he loses his own accommodation.

"Drink is prevalent, tempers fray and he acts in an inexcusable and inappropriate manner towards his mother," said Mr Liston.

The Honorary Recorder of Bolton, Judge Martin Walsh jailed Harris and made a restraining order banning him from contacting his mother for five years.

He told Harris: "Your mother was a vulnerable victim.

"There is no alternative but to impose an immediate period of custody."