'Dangerous' son threw salted boiling water over father after attempting to poison mother's drink

A son who was spared jail after he poisoned his mum's glass of wine with turps has been locked up for throwing a kettle of boiling salt water at his dad.

Daniel Gaunt was given a community order in June 2024 for administering poison after he put turpentine into his mum's drink, then threatened to burn down her house.

In April 2025 he was given a suspended jail term after he grabbed his grandmother around the neck during a row when she refused to give him a cigarette.

Newcastle Crown Court heard in September 2025 Gaunt, who has been diagnosed with ADHD, had an argument with his dad while they were at his grandmother's house in South Tyneside.

‘Filled and boiled the kettle before adding salt’

Prosecutor Ian Cook said: "The defendant came downstairs, filled and boiled the kettle before adding salt to the boiling water, taking it into the garden and throwing it over his father.

"That assault was witnessed by this grandmother."

The court heard the injured dad went to South Tyneside Hospital and was diagnosed with superficial dermal burns as well as blisters, redness and skin loss on his neck and chest, which were treated and dressed.

Video shows Gaunt, who was swigging from a can, pretending his name was "Jonny Johnson" when approached by the police before confessing his true identity to the officers.

‘I feel utterly betrayed’

In an impact statement, his dad said above all else he felt "overwhelming sadness" and worry about the impact of the attack on other family members and added: "I am devastated. I feel utterly betrayed and still can't make sense of why he did what he did.

"I know he can be volatile but nothing that ever made me believe it would come to this."

The dad said Gaunt's behaviour while he was on drink and drugs had affected their relationship but never believed he would be left feeling so "unsafe and betrayed" by his son.

He added: "The whole situation has left a lasting mark. I don't know if I will ever be able to trust him again."

Gaunt, 22, of no fixed address, had admitted assault and was convicted of attempting to cause GBH with intent, after a trial.

Judge Sarah Mallett today sentenced him to four-and-a-half years with a four-and-a-half year extended licence.

Gaunt is ‘dangerous’ - rehabilitation had ‘no affect’

The judge told Gaunt he is "dangerous" and said rehabilitative work done with him in the past has had "no affect".

Judge Mallett said there had been a "cooling off" period between the argument and the attack on his dad and added: "There is a very real and very serious risk that you will succeed in causing serious harm, as you have repeatedly risked doing."

Gaunt was also convicted of assault on his step-dad in 2021 and given a suspended jail term for that offence, which involved a screw driver.

In charge of the investigation was Detective Sergeant Daniel Ross, from South Tyneside's Criminal Investigation Department.

Speaking after Gaunt's sentencing, he said: "This must have been a truly horrendous ordeal for the victim – who has been left with lifelong scars from Gaunt’s actions that day.

"Gaunt took the time to go back inside, and even add salt to the water, ensuring that the assault would do even more damage.

"He is clearly a very dangerous individuals and I am pleased he's beginning a stint behind bars.

"Violence has absolutely no place in our communities, and we will continue to do everything in our power to bring those responsible for offences such as those carried out in this case before the courts to face justice."

Robin Turton, defending, said Gaunt has had a difficult background and added: "When not in drink and on drugs he's a very different young man."