A Tayside man grabbed his mother by the throat and told his father if he was “another person” he would kill him.
Josh Roberts, 27, admitted assaulting and threatening his parents at their home on North Road, Liff in April.
He appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court, where he narrowly avoided a prison sentence.
Sheriff Derek Reekie told him if his parents had not offered their support to him, he would probably have spent time in custody.
Argument began over playing with dog
Roberts repeatedly punched and kicked his father, John, as he lay on the floor and grabbed his mother Shirlene by the throat as she begged him to stop.
The court heard the incident kicked off after he was asked to stop playing with the family dog.
Depute fiscal Matthew Kerr said: “At around 9.20pm on April 29, all parties were in the house
“The accused was upstairs then went into the living room, where his parents were.
“He played with the dog and was told to stop.
“He went into the kitchen to have a cigarette and began shouting and swearing at his parents.
“He then picked up a cushion and hit his father with it, shouting: ‘I wish you were another person, then I would batter f**k out of you.
“If you weren’t you, I would f**king kill you’.
Assaults continue
Mr Kerr said: “His father said he had had enough and was going to phone the police.
“Roberts pushed him against the wall and repeatedly punched him.
“His mother tried to stop it but sustained kicks and punches.
“The accused grabbed his mother by the hair and pulled her.
“He grabbed her by the throat then shouted and swore at both.
“He released his mother and continued his attack on his father.
“He was wrestled to the couch by his father but escaped his grip.
“He then pulled his father off the couch and kicked and punched him while he was on the floor.
“His mother contacted the police.
“He shouted ‘I want to kill you’, while she was making contact with officers.
“The accused put his shoes on and left the house.”
Threats made to father
Police caught up with Roberts shortly afterwards.
He made no reply regarding the assault on his mother but on the charge of assaulting his father, he replied: “I want him charged with assault” and “I wish he was another (man) so I could batter him”.
Sheriff Reekie said: “It was highly disturbing to hear the circumstances.
“You are extremely fortunate to have the support of your family.
“Because of this support I will, at this stage, be persuaded there is an appropriate alternative to custody.
“There will be a review within two months.”
Roberts will spend 12 months under supervision and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
He will return for review at Forfar Sheriff Court on September 1.
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