An aggressive son threatened to stab his mother "clean up" after she refused to lend him any more money.
Kyle Atkinson also said he'd smash the victim's and his grandmother's windows in and claimed it was "worth spending time in prison" for committing offences against her, a court heard. The threats were all made during a series of abusive text messages, which the 18-year-old sent to his mum after she declined to lend him cash.
The victim was so concerned by Atkinson's behaviour that she contacted the police and made a statement. However, she later retracted that statement but prosecutors decided to continue with a case against him.
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Atkinson, formerly of Gosforth but now of no fixed abode, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court to plead guilty to a malicious communications offence and threatening to damage property. He was given a 12-month community order and made subject of a four-month restraining order, which banned him from pestering, alarming or distressing his mother for four months.
Prosecutor, James Long, said the victim had been having difficulties with her son, related to his mental health and drug use, for some time. On September 4 last year, Atkinson started sending his mother a series of abusive texts.
Mr Long continued: "The abuse was stemming from his request for money from her. That has been an issue over a period of time. She's not able or not willing on this occasion to assist and the messages become more aggressive.
"During the course of one message, he threatens to smash her windows and also those of his grandmother. He said it would be worth spending time in prison for offences committed against her. He then sent a text saying "never mind beating you, I'm going to stab you clean up"."
The court heard that Atkinson's threats caused his mum "considerable anxiety and stress" and she reported him to the police. However, she later retracted her statement.
Liz Dunbar, defending, said, despite his mother retracting her statement, Atkinson had still pleaded guilty and acknowledged his behaviour was unacceptable. She added: "He had difficulties growing up and has had difficulties with his behaviour since aged eight."
Ms Dunbar said Atkinson was sofa-surfing and needed money and became frustrated when his mother refused to lend him any.
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