Man who broke restraining order to repeatedly pester his Jarrow step-granddad for cash is jailed

A troublesome grandson who persistently pestered his fed-up step-granddad for cash at night at his South Tyneside home is starting a lengthy prison term.

Scott Atkinson, 39, was caged for 40 weeks for turning up uninvited at the Jarrow property when ordered to stay away by a court until September 2028.

Atkinson paid no heed to a five-year restraining order against him, imposed by a judge at Newcastle Crown Court in late 2023.

It prohibited him from any contact with his relative except via a solicitor in regard to his inheritance and not to enter Calf Close Lane, his elderly relative’s street.

But the bearded offender went there three times in four weeks in January and February, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

In total, he has breached the order five times, with his presence instilling fear even though he had never threatened, prosecutor Bushra Begum said.

Such was his grandfather’s disquiet he would phone Atkinson at 7pm, knowing if he answered it meant he was settled elsewhere for the night and would leave him alone.

Mrs Begum said: “He is subject to a restraining order that is in place until 2028 and is in respect of his step-grandfather.

“It is one charge, but it encompasses one month where he’s attended his grandfather’s address at night, wanting money and making contact.

“There’s been contact on the telephone because the grandfather says that he’s never invited his grandson to the address.

“The grandfather says that when he’s had a telephone call, it’s only because he fears that otherwise he’ll turn up and ask for money.”

She added: “He says there were times when he’s contacted the defendant but only when he’s about to turn his phone off at 7pm.

“If his phone is off after that time, his grandson will turn up.

“The grandfather knows that if his grandson answers it’s because he’s at a friend's house and he knows he will be able to get a peaceful night’s sleep.

“The grandfather says that he is fearful of the defendant but that there’s never been any threats made, he is clear about that, it’s just his turning up and asking for money.

“This is the fifth breach of the restraining order. It’s a starting point of 12 weeks custody, up to one year.”

Atkinson pleaded guilty to a charge of harassment - breach of a restraining order.

Rebecca Stephenson, defending, said Atkinson had believed his grandfather was happy to see him and thought they were taking steps towards reconciliation, following a previous jailing.

She added: “The breach does not involve any violence or threats, and when asked to leave, he did so.

“He truly believed that he was building the relationship with his grandfather after he had left prison.

“He was brought up by his grandfather, and they had a good relationship in the past.”

In jailing Atkinson, who must pay £620 court costs and a £187 victim surcharge, magistrates told him his offending had been “persistent” and was domestic in nature.