Man beat up his mother in attack

Judge Michael Cullum said Peter Tomkins had carried out a sustained attack on a vulnerable 75-year-old woman in her own home and had intended to cause serious harm.

Tomkins, of Baxters Walk, Malvern, was convicted of wounding with intent after a trial at Worcester Crown Court in July.

At the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Ian Ball said Mrs Megan Tomkins could remember little of what happened, but was concerned that there should be support for her son’s mental health condition.

The 41-year-old, who had three previous convictions for drink and drugs offences, had not been a violent offender. But in the attack on his mother, he had broken his own ankle and hand.

Jason Aris, mitigating, said that the attack had not been pre-meditated, but Tomkins was beset with mental problems.

It was encouraging to hear from the victim that her first thoughts were for her son and his mental health. He had spared her the ordeal of giving evidence. The attack had taken place when Tomkins was under the influence of drink and drugs.

His mental health problems had been diagnosed by a psychiatrist and it was fortunate that the injuries were not more serious.

Judge Cullum said the offence was so serious that Tomkins would be sentenced to ten years immediate custody plus an extended licence of five years when he was freed. “I am satisfied that you are dangerous,” he said. “Your release will be dependent on the findings of the parole board.”

The judge said that the jury had heard that Tomkins had launched his attack on a frail and vulnerable woman on January 31 after she had cooked him lunch.

A neighbour had found her in a battered state lying in a pool of blood.

Tomkins was arrested a short time later. It had been a motiveless attack.

Tomkins’ mental health problems had been diagnosed and he was receiving medication, but this had been negated by drink and drugs. He was still regarded as someone who was dangerous and posed a significant risk to others, said the judge.