Nuisance son is imprisoned

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard how Mark Hodkin, 28, of St John’s Road, Middlecroft, Staveley, was originally given a restraining order not to contact his mother but after repeatedly flouting this he has been locked up.

Prosecuting solicitor Ian Shaw said: “The statement from the complainant is that the restraining order has been breached on a regular basis.”

Police were called to the home of Hodkin’s mother, according to the court, during his third breach after reports he had taken an overdose and he was arrested for his own personal safety.

Mr Shaw explained Hodkin was taken to Chesterfield Royal Hospital where he became abusive and was shouting and swearing and police had to control him.

Mr Shaw added: “His mother made a statement explaining there was already an order in place to protect her but since it was originally given in November, last year, he still came to her address and stayed overnight.

“She said she’s scared of him and that is why she had let him stay.”

Hodkin pleaded guilty to breaching his restraining order for the third time and to using threatening behaviour after the latest incident on April 11.

Defence solicitor Bob Bashforth said Hodkin’s problems may be influenced by lower level difficulties with drink, drugs or mental health.

District Judge Andrew Davison sentenced Hodkin to 26 weeks of custody.

He was also fined £110 for threatening behaviour but due to time already spent in custody on remand this does not have to be paid.