Worksop: Man spared jail after assault on stepfather

Duane Dyer, 32, of South Avenue Worksop, admitted attacking Keith Bullivant while he was calling the police after Dyer had smashed up items in their home.

Worksop Magistrates’ Court heard the Dyer had returned home drunk on the morning of the indcident and had begun damaging garden fence panels and ornaments, before throwing items of crockery and glassware out of kitchen cupboards.

Mr Bullivant decided to call the police during the rampage, whereupon, the prosecution said, Dyer had attacked him and punched him to the head.

When questioned by police, Dyer said he had not been drunk and had only been taking diazepam which he said made him sleepy, not aggressive.

He also said he could not remember smashing anything or pulling anything out of cupboards.

Defending, David Grant said Dyer had a significant risk of self-harming and needed help, not jail.

“A stay in custody could have serious effects in terms of self-harm and he deserves the chance to try and get help,” he said.

Dyer was given a 12-month community supervision order and ordered to pay £60 victim surcharge.

Chairman of the bench, Mrs Muriel Law, said: “Prescription drugs and alcohol don’t mix, as well you know.”

“It is up to you to sort yourself out and adhere to this community order.”

“If you don’t, custody is a very real possibility.”