Drunken County Durham thug attacked step-dad after downing Disaronno and lager cocktails

A drunken thug attacked his step-dad and assaulted his pregnant partner after downing Disaronno and lager cocktails.

Charles Neasham was at his mother's home in County Durham when he began drinking the liqueur and lager cocktails on June 21. But when his step-dad advised him to stop drinking, Neasham unleashed a violent attack in front of the man's six-year-old child, leaving them "petrified".

When Neasham's pregnant partner attempted to stop the attack, he pushed her to the floor, causing her to have a panic attack due to worry for her unborn child. Neasham also carried out the attack while serving a suspended prison sentence for another assault which involved him smashing a beer bottle over someone's head.

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On Tuesday, Neasham, of Elmfield Place, Newton Aycliffe, appeared at Durham Crown Court via link from HMP Durham to be sentenced for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by beating. The 22-year-old had pleaded guilty to the offences.

The court heard that at the time of the offences, Neasham was in a relationship with his partner, who was eight-months pregnant with their child. But due to Neasham's drinking and drug misuse, the couple were not living together, and instead he was living with his mother.

The court heard that Neasham was allowed to stay at his mother's home on the condition he would limit his alcohol consumption. But on June 21, Neasham invited a friend round for drinks while his mum, step-dad, partner and his step-dad's six-year-old child were present.

Elisha Marsay, prosecuting, said: "The defendant turned up with a bottle of Disaronno and a crate of lager. Over the course of the evening the defendant was mixing the two drinks together and consuming them in that fashion.

"After four bottles he was told by his step-dad he'd had enough. [Neasham] ignored him and he retrieved more alcohol from the fridge. He again repeated his advice to the defendant and asked him to stop drinking."

It was then that Neasham became "angry and aggressive" and launched a vicious attack on his step-dad. Ms Marsay continued: "He began punching him to the face and head several times in the presence of [the man's] child who was said to be petrified and shaking with fear."

The court heard that Neasham's friend and his partner attempted to intervene, but due to being "furious and in a rage", he continued the attack. He then pushed his pregnant partner, causing her to fall to the floor. Ms Marsay added that the woman suffered a panic attack due to her being terrified for the health of their unborn child.

Neasham was eventually taken out of the home but began punching the door before leaving the area. He was later arrested.

The court heard Neasham committed the offences while serving a suspended 20 month prison sentence, which had been imposed for a domestic related assault. Recorder Edward Legard said the incident involved Neasham using an "empty beer bottle to strike the victim to the top of the head, causing a small wound".

Rhys Williams, defending, said Neasham was "extremely remorseful" and has been working with drug and alcohol services whilst on remand in prison. He told the court Neasham is a new-father after his son was born last week, saying: "It has given him an added urge and he wants to do the best [he can]." Mr Williams added Neasham is a qualified tree surgeon and "understands what's on the line given the birth of his son."

Recorder Legard jailed Neasham for 16 months.