Drunk threatens dad with kitchen knife following historic family spat

Oliver Anderson was in a pub in Warrington when he saw his brother for the first time in years, a court heard.

This escalated into a drunken violent rampage which ended in Anderson injuring his father at his home that same night.

The 23-year-old of Pinewood Avenue, Bruche, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday for sentencing, having pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a kitchen knife in public, another of assault and a further count of threats to damage property.

Prosecuting, Shannon Stewart said the offences took place on May 31.

She said: “The defendant's mother received a call from the defendant stating that he had seen his brother in a pub.

“When he arrived home, he wanted to know where his brother lived and was shouting at his mother.”

Anderson then demanded his mother take him to his father’s address and grabbed a kitchen knife before leaving the house.

The court heard how she called his father and tried to warn him that the defendant was coming round and could potentially be violent with him – this was now in the early hours of the morning of June 1.

“He then shouted at his father down the phone, saying if he did not provide his brother’s address he would go and throw bricks at his house,” Ms Stewart added.

“When Anderson arrived at his father’s house, he was asking where his brother was and said he wanted to kill him.”

Making threats towards his dad, the defendant could be heard saying ‘I have got a knife, you will tell me where he is’.

His dad saw the knife in his son’s pocket and wrestled the weapon off him before taking him to the floor in a headlock.

During the altercation, Anderson’s dad received a strained thumb and an injured shoulder, the prosecutor noted.

Cheshire Police were called, and officers arrived at the scene shortly afterwards to detain and arrest the defendant.

“The defendant is said to have issues with drugs and alcohol abuse,” Ms Stewart continued.

“When the police arrived, he told an officer that he had soiled himself and that he knew he had done wrong but that he had seen his brother for the first time in several years.”

Anderson made threats to kill his brother while armed with kitchen knife (Image: Supplied)

Anderson’s dad, and the victim in the case, provided an impact statement that was read out to the court.

It detailed how the events of that night had caused him anxiety and that he does not sleep well because of it.

He added that whenever the phone goes, he is immediately concerned that it may be something to do with his son Oliver.

The defendant has no previous convictions.

Providing mitigation for the case, defending, Gemma Gordon said: “There is clearly a background as to how these offences have arisen.

“He recognises now that his misuse of alcohol needs to be addressed.”

She added: “This is a young man that does have a number of issues that need to be addressed and he recognises that.”

Before passing sentence, his Honour Judge Ian Harris spoke to the defendant in the box, highlighting how Anderson’s father had concern about his son’s substance abuse and issues surrounding this.

He stated that the father had requested for a restraining order to be imposed against his son.

“You have a daughter you do not see because of your behaviour,” he added.

“You have undergone rehabilitation until March 2024. You should not have left the rehabilitation regime, and you recognise this now.”

Honour Judge Harris handed him an 18-month custodial sentence which was suspended for two years.

He ordered Anderson to take part in a drug rehabilitation requirement for six months as well as an eight-week psychosis programme.

A further 20 rehabilitation requirement days were issued to the defendant along with a restraining order which was imposed against him contacting or seeing his father for the length of seven years.

Andrews was ordered to appear before the court on November 22 so a judge can review his progress.