Man jailed for headbutting adopted mum

Stephen Rogers damaged furniture and snapped a key in the front door when he turned up at the house in Washington.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the victim was headbutted and pushed before she hid in the toilet until the police arrived.

She suffered a cut lip and said in a victim statement: "I am so incredibly frightened of Stephen.

"I was shaking and out of control with my emotions, I just didn't know what to do.

"I cannot understand why my son would do this to me.

"This is not the first time he has done this but it has been the worst.

"I love him but I hate him.

"When not on drugs he's lovely. When on drugs he is a threat to the public."

Prosecutor Stuart Graham told the court Rogers was given a restraining order to keep him away from his adopted mum after he was convicted of common assault last year.

On May 22 he turned up at the door and his victim "reluctantly" opened it, before he could cause any damage.

Mr Graham said it was immediately obvious Rogers was under the influence of drugs and started arguing with people inside, while causing damage to furniture and ornaments.

He added: "The defendant, without any warning, seemed to surge forward towards her and headbutt her in the face, connecting with her mouth and causing immediate pain to her and her lip started to bleed."

The court heard the woman ran upstairs to her bedroom and Rogers followed and pushed her with such force she fell back onto the bed.

After leaving, Rogers went to his ex partner's home and smashed two windows while she was out.

Rogers, of Dryburg, Washington, admitted assault, breach of a restraining order and two charges of damaging property.

Judge Julie Clemitson sentenced him to 18 months behind bars.

Alec Burns, defending, said: "He cannot understand or believe he behaved this way.

"She has done so much for him over the years. He understands it was completely wrong and wishes he had never done it."

Mr Burns said Rogers is now clear of drugs and has sought help and counselling in prison to remain clean.