Overstrand pensioner attacked son during food tampering row

Phillip Dennis, 74, punched his 36-year-old son Steven and dislocated his shoulder as the pair grappled on the floor following a confrontation at the family home. 

Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told his son, who lived at home, had accused him of tampering with some cheese and of trying to kill him. 

Sarah Fiddy, prosecuting, said police had been called after he punched his son to the head and grabbed his hair as the pair fought on the floor during the disagreement on July 31 last year.

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His son had required hospital treatment for his shoulder injury and police had recorded bruising and swelling around his eye. 

Dennis, of Cromer Road in Overstrand, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Phillip Dennis was sentenced at Norwich Magistrates' Court (Image: Newsquest)

Magistrates sentenced him to eight weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months after being told he was unsuitable for a community punishment. 

He was also ordered to pay his son £300 compensation. 

Gina Mattioli, mitigating, said father and son had previously been on good terms and had worked together on a taxi service for vulnerable adults. 

She said the relationship had subsequently deteriorated with on-going arguments, underlying personal issues and unusual behaviour that had culminated with the allegations of cheese tampering. 

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The violent argument and injuries had “not been his intention in any way”, she said.

“It shouldn’t have happened. He is deeply regretful, embarrassed and shameful,” she added. 

“He was acting completely out of character. It is an unfortunate situation everyone has found themselves in.”

Magistrates also imposed a 12 month restraining order banning Dennis from further direct or indirect contact with his son.