'Sad and pathetic' - Serial South Shields criminal left mum 'scared and distressed' after breaching ban
A serial offender frightened his mum during unwanted hospital visits, breaching a restraining order in South Shields, a court was told.
A serial criminal left his poorly mum frightened and in distress after two unwanted hospital visits while banned from approaching her.
Bryn Williams, who has 183 criminal convictions, was issued with an indefinite restraining order in August 2023, which prevents him from pestering his mum or entering any building she is in, including medical establishments.
While she was hospitalised with chronic health problems in June, Williams turned up on one occasion and pinned her down by her arms.
A few days later he went back, made his mum "scared" and then asked her for £2 bus fare.
She was left breathless, shaken and distressed.
Newcastle Crown Court heard the vulnerable mum has been a frequent in-patient at South Tyneside Hospital over the last few years due to respiratory issues.
Staff noticed Williams, who has also been an in-patient at the hospital in the past, had visited his mother in early June.
Prosecutor Saba Shan told the court: "He was seen to be intoxicated and sat on the edge of her bed while talking to her before leaning on her legs.
"He was told to sit on a chair.
"When that member of staff returned shortly afterwards she saw he had pinned his mother down by her arms and was whispering to her.
"Staff couldn't work out what he was saying."
The court heard Williams returned to the hospital a few days later and approached his mother's bed but was told to leave.
Miss Shan added: "He refused to do so, saying he had a message for his mother from his brother.
"A member of staff remained in the ward bay with the defendant, who then stood up to leave.
"His mother was heard to say words to the affect of 'I'm scared of you' and 'you are a nasty person'.
"The defendant responded by leaning over his mother and saying 'I scare you do I?' in an intimidating manner before asking for £2 bus fare."
Miss Shan said the victim was left with increased breathlessness, became tearful and required reassurance from staff.
The court heard police did not take an impact statement from the victim due to her distress but when an officer saw her in hospital she was described as being in a "very vulnerable state", needed assistance with breathing and was "visibly shaken" by the unwanted visit.
Staff at the hospital describe the victim as a "lovely lady" who is vulnerable and has chronic health problems.
Williams, 53, of Whitehall Street, South Shields, admitted two charges of breach of a restraining order.
Sam Faulks, defending, said the hospital visits were not "vindictive or with violent intent" but were a "sad and pathetic" attempt by Williams to seek assistance from his mother.
Mr Faulks said Williams has alcohol problems and added: "He will and can do better."
Williams, who has been in custody on remand, was sentenced to 20 months, suspended for 18 months, with alcohol treatment and rehabilitation requirements.