A 52-year-old man has been jailed after a shocking attack in which he strangled his elderly mother when she refused to give him a lift to the gym, leaving her fearing for her life.
The incident, heard at Teesside Crown Court, involved Andrew Malone who became aggressive on 15 October last year after his mother declined his request for transport. Prosecutors said he grabbed her by the throat and told her he would “strangle her” during the terrifying confrontation.
The court was also told that on a separate occasion, Malone allegedly threatened his mother with a kitchen knife, pointing it at her while issuing threats before later apologising and putting the weapon away. His behaviour was described as escalating over time, with repeated incidents of intimidation and violence.
It was revealed that police had previously been called to the address in 2024 after Malone, who was intoxicated at the time, refused to leave his mother’s home. During that incident, he was arrested and later convicted of assault after resisting arrest and injuring an officer.
Further evidence presented in court showed that he had also threatened to burn down his mother’s house with her inside, adding to a pattern of abusive conduct that left the victim increasingly distressed and fearful in her own home.
The court heard that the victim was eventually able to escape during the October attack after Malone released his grip, before contacting a relative and police for help. She later expressed emotional devastation, questioning how her own son could treat her in such a manner.
In sentencing, the judge noted the significant physical advantage Malone had over his mother and described the incident as a violent escalation over a seemingly minor disagreement. He was ultimately jailed after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including intentional strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and threats to kill.
