Computer addict attacked mum

A troubled "computer addict" attacked his mum and "stepdad", knifed the family dog and wrecked his siblings' toys in angry outbursts, a court heard.
Burnley Magistrates' CourtBurnley Magistrates' Court
Burnley Magistrates' Court

"Unpredictable" Damian Grzeszcyk (20) hurled a mug at his catering boss mum, Agnieszka Mistewicz, which hit her on the head and punched and kicked her ex-husband Piotr Mistewicz, in the frightening violence at the defendant's then home in Burnley, the town's magistrates were told.

Grzeszcyk, who is from Poland and has lived in the UK for four years, is said to have been diagnosed with mental health issues when he was just eight months old. He has Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD and would get aggressive and cause trouble when his computer was turned off.

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The defendant, who sobbed in the dock throughout the proceedings, wanted to go home, but his mother, who was scared of him, didn't want him back, the court was told.

Grzeszcyk, then of Venice Avenue, admitted two counts of assault and one of damaging a television and children's toys worth about £900. The defendant received a 12-month community order, with a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement and the bench imposed a year-long restraining order, banning him from going within 20metres of the family home on Venice Avenue. He had no previous convictions.

Mrs Alex Mann, prosecuting, said the defendant got upset when his mother was telling her ex-husband that Damian had caused some damage a few days before. He started throwing things and his parents took the younger children upstairs to safety, where they rang the police. Mr Mistewicz had felt the defendant punching and kicking him in the back.

The prosecutor said: "His mother describes the defendant as being addicted to his computer. She mentions several incidents that have happened when the computer has been turned off. When he was 12, he stabbed the dog with a knife and started being aggressive around that time. "

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Mrs Mann added :"'His mother says she has tried everything. She says living with Damian has become unbearable. She is scared for her safety and the children's safety. She is scared to go to sleep at night and he is unpredictable when he gets angry. She says she doesn't want Damian to come home."

Mr Trevor Feehily, defending, said Grzeszcyk was on medication and when he didn't take it, he had behavioural problems. His medication ran out last Thursday and it was too late to get a repeat prescription when he remembered on Saturday.

One of his parents made a comment which annoyed and upset him and his frustration boiled over. The solicitor continued: "He tells me he didn't intend to hit his mum with the mug. It was a reckless action rather than an intentional one."

Mr Feehily added: "He tells me he felt 'tragically bad' about what happened. He just wants to go home and sort himself out and repair the relationship with his parents."