Derbyshire man punched nephew in the face during family row in street

Richard Mason, 52, told the younger man “want one of these do you?” before striking him to the upper lip and face.

Chesterfield Magistrates Court heard on the same day of the attack Mason sent his sister a sinister message reading: “It ends tonight - I hope you’re ready to be black and blue again.”

Prosecutor Daniel Wilshaw said the threat was in reference to a previous assault for which he received a six-month suspended sentence.

Later that day Mason was seen with his hands on his mother’s shoulders and neck outside the Swanwick home where she lived with her daughter and grandson - Mason’s victims.

As Mason’s nephew and other relatives tried to calm the defendant down he delivered the punch - knocking his nephew's glasses “completely off”.

In a statement read out in court Mason’s sister described being “very frightened of her brother” - who often visited her home to see his mother.

She said: “He didn’t hit me but he hit my son - every time I hear a sound I’m checking my cameras.

“I’ve had no contact with him since the incident and I have no intention of rekindling the relationship.”

Mason, of Leamoor Avenue, Somercotes, admitted sending an offensive message and assault by beating.

He was handed a 12-month restraining order, an eight week-curfew, 24 rehabilitation days, made to pay £100 compensation to his victims, £85 court costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

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