Burnley magistrates heard Jean Clark was at her wits' end with son John James, who went off the rails when his parents split.

Clark (25) who hit his mother with the air rifle and stole her cash, visited her in hospital, telling her her new bank card had arrived and then went spending on it.

The court heard Clark had enjoyed the best of everything before the breakdown of his parents' marriage, but was now a jobless alcoholic with no partner.

The defendant, of Parish Street, Padiham, admitted assault by beating, damage and four counts of theft. Clark, who had served the equivalent of six weeks on remand, was given 120 days in prison, suspended for 18 months, with 18 months supervision and the addressing substance related offending programme. He must also pay £250 compensation.

Mr Stephen Parker (prosecuting) said Clark was already on a community order for harassing his mother. On June 14th, he started drinking cider and wine at 10-30 a.m. and then asked his mother for money for diesel for his friend's car. When she refused, Clark abused her and picked up the air rifle.

Mr Parker said the defendant put the air rifle in his mother's face and told her: "If you don't shut up I am going to shoot you." She knocked it away and Clark hit her in the face with the butt, busting her lip.

Mr Parker said Mrs Clark was later admitted to hospital after an overdose. She told police: "I took it because I am at my wits end. He needs help. I did my best to help him."

Mr John Rusius (defending) said Mrs Clark had suffered a nervous breakdown after her marriage ended and needed her son's help. He had tuned to drink to deal with his issues but had now sought help.