Father and son’s 10-day cocaine and booze bender ended in violence

Blackburn magistrates heard Carl Walsh punched and spat on his dad after breaking down the door to the older man’s house.

The court was told Carl Wogden was unaware his son had entered the house because he is deaf.

Walsh, 29, of Grimshaw Street, Church, pleaded guilty to assault and two charges of damaging a door belonging to his father.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 20 days' rehabilitation activity requirement, and fined £120.

He was made subject to a restraining order which prohibits him from having any contact with his dad or approaching his home.

Scott Parker, prosecuting, said in a statement Mr Wogden said his son drank a lot and when he did drugs was violent towards him.

On September 12 he was sitting in his living room watching TV. He was on the sofa from where he couldn’t see the entrance to the room.

“He is deaf and keeps the front door locked because he can’t hear if people are coming in,” said Mr Parker.

“He was unaware his son was in the house until he came and stood in front of the television.”

Mr Parker said the defendant made a cut-throat gesture towards his dad who stood up to try to leave.

“The defendant punched him and spat in his face.

The following day Mr Wogden noticed the front door was moving as though someone was trying to break in. He went upstairs, looked out of the window and saw Walsh kicking the door.

“He was scared for his safety because he is not sure what his son is capable of,” said Mr Parker.

Walsh told the probation service he and his father had been drinking and taking cocaine together “non-stop” for the 10 days before the incident and his memory of what happened was not clear.