A 33-year-old man accused of pushing his way into his father’s Rhyl home and grabbing his throat, before staggering away, received a ten-week suspended jail term.

Magistrates at Llandudno heard the retired victim had been through surgery on his throat because of cancer.

Gary Turner, of Coventry Drive, Rhyl, but said to now be living in Manchester, admitted common assault in September on David Turner who had been in bed when he was disturbed by banging on the front door.

The defendant was banned indefinitely from contacting his parents under a restraining order and must pay £100 compensation and £735 costs.

Prosecutor James Neary said Turner had been drunk and left his victim terrified. He changed his plea to guilty on the day of a trial.

Defence lawyer Sarah Yates said it was an “extremely unpleasant” assault but the defendant had mental health issues and was remorseful.

He was now getting help, having appeared in the crown court for an offence, too.