Father and son in court over row

A Stafford pensioner who called the police 30 times in six months to deal with his problem sons ended up being arrested himself, a court heard.

And Edward Skinner's son Jason assaulted an officer after seeing his 67-year-old father being wrestled to the ground.

Jason, who had been arguing with his brother Nigel, has been jailed twice before for assaulting police officers.

But Jason claims that the officers were "heavy-handed".

And speaking in Stafford Magistrates Court this week, Edward Skinner, who has heart and respiratory problems, said he had been left "gasping for breath" after being handcuffed on the ground.

The court heard how Skinner called police to his home on Dreieich Close during a row between Jason and Nigel. Police arrested Nigel, and as his father began to protest, he was also arrested.

Mr Hodnett said Jason then grappled with an officer, who received a bang to the head and a cut lip.

Edward John Skinner agreed to be bound over to keep the peace for 12 months in the sum of £150. A charge of obstructing or resisting a police officer was withdrawn.

Jason Paul Skinner, aged 33, who has mental health problems, admitted assaulting a Pc. Sentencing was adjourned.