North Runcton man admits assault on grandmother at her home
A court has heard how a North Runcton man’s successful life has spiralled out of control due to a £400 a week cocaine habit.
Daniel Anthony Lee Green, 33, used to own properties and run an electrical business employing more than 60 staff.
But Lynn magistates were told that, for the past few years, he’s been living in rented accommodation and his self-employed income “hardly covers” his drug addiction.
Green, of Constitution Hill, appeared before the bench on Thursday to plead guilty to damaging property at his mother’s and grandmother’s homes after a drink and drugs binge on October 1. He also admitted assaulting his nan.
Green’s mother called police when he was kicking her door just after 11pm. He then went to his grandmother’s and police found him on his knees in the front garden.
He was arrested and told police that he had drunk cider between 5pm and 8pm and although he couldn’t remember anything of the events, he accepted what his relatives claimed. He said he was “devastated” and would seek help.
Solicitor Ruth Johnson, in mitigation, said Green clearly had no intention of causing the damage to a letterbox and front door, with a total value of £110, or injuring his grandmother.
“Drinking and drugs got him into this state. Substance misuse is the problem. He tells me cocaine is ruining his life,” Miss Johnson added.
A probation officer told the court that Green, who lives with post-traumatic stress disorder, had stopped taking medication and was spending £400 per week on cocaine.
“His income hardly covers the outgoings for his habit,” she added. “He knows he needs to ditch it. There are significant rent arrears.”
She added: “He’s very ashamed as he realises the family have been a support to him.”
Green, who was of previous good character, was given a 12-month community order with 40 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 40 hours’ unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay a £90 victim surcharge.
