Man, 81, bit and headbutted by own son in horrific attack

A man headbutted and bit his own father in a drunken assault a few days before Christmas, a court has heard. Philip John had gone to live with this 81-year-old dad after the breakdown of his relationship with his partner.

A judge told the 46-year-old the defendant he had behaved in a shameful way. Matt Murphy, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that on December 21 the defendant and his father had been drinking at a working men's club but the complainant had subsequently left due to his son's level of intoxication and went to a different pub.

He said when the complainant got home that night he found his son there. The court heard that John started punching his father and then headbutted him to the face before biting him on the chest and arms.

The complainant struck his son and eventually managed to make his way upstairs and call 999. The prosecutor said that in his call the complainant reported that he had been "hit about".

The court heard that the complainant was taken to Morriston Hospital where medics found a fractured cheek bone, bruising, and swelling to the face as well as bite marks.

Meanwhile John had been arrested and taken to Swansea central police station where he answered "no comment" to all questions asked in interview.

The court heard that the complainant told police that his son had gone to live with him following the breakdown of his relationship and that he became aggressive when he was in drink.

The prosecutor said the victim had not made a statement of complaint to the police but had indicated to officers that he would like a restraining order.

Philip Brian John, of Graigola Road, Glais, Swansea, had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and criminal damage when he appeared in the dock for sentencing. He has four previous convictions for five offences including common assault, and unlawful wounding from 2004.

Judge Huw Rees told the defendant he had behaved in a shameful way towards his father. With a discount for his guilty plea John was sentenced to 20 months in prison suspended for 18 months and was ordered to complete a rehabilitation course and a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement He was also made subject to a 12-month restraining order prohibiting him from contacting his father.