Handcuffed Derbyshire drug addict dragged policeman 12 feet while reversing car

Scott Irons, 43, had to be “gassed” with pepper spray and “taken to the floor” after pulling the dangerous manoeuvre in August 2019.

Police had intercepted Irons in his car as they suspected he was breaching bail conditions.

Chesterfield Magistrates Court heard how at the time drug addict Irons was waging a months-long harassment campaign against his elderly parents - “constantly” badgering them for money.

Prosecutor Sarah Haslam described how during the last few months of 2019 Iron harangued his “drained” mum and dad for cash with repeated phone calls and unannounced visits to their home.

On one occasion Irons, of Clowne, forced his mother to buy him diesel for his car - by climbing into her vehicle and refusing to leave until she gave in to his demands.

While in another incident the defendant turned up at their home demanding £4.50 be paid into his bank account.

Ms Haslam said Irons appeared at his harassed parents’ patio door “shouting” while their two grandchildren were inside.

She said: “This was constant harassment - it ever stopped.”

The prosecutor said Irons had been taking drugs for 20 years - worsening after a failed rehab stay in 2018.

In a statement read out in court, Iron's parents described feeling “drained” and “ashamed” of their son.

Irons, of North Road, who had no previous convictions until dysfunctional family problems boiled over, admitted two counts of harassment, dangerous driving, assault and failing to surrender to bail.

District Judge Tim Spruce told him: “You’re a man of good character essentially - you’ve not really been in trouble before.

“These offences are very serious - the difficulty I have with these types of offences is the impact on the victims.

“In this case they happened to your parents - you should certainly have known better.”

Judge Spruce told Irons he needed to “wake up”.

He was jailed for 16 weeks suspended for 12 months with 15 rehabilitation activity days and handed a 12-month restraining order.

The defendant was also made to pay £600 compensation, £200 court costs and a £128 victim surcharge.

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