A MAN repeatedly harassed his elderly parents after being banned from contacting them.

Bolton Crown Court heard how 50-year-old drug addict Paul Hinsley was given a suspended prison sentence in 2019 after he attacked his father.

He had smashed the pensioner over the head with a table after he refused to hand over £15.

A restraining order was made banning him from contacting his parents or going within 50 metres of their home.

But William Donnelly, prosecuting, told how the couple were shopping in Bolton town centre on March 7, 2020, when they were approached by Hinsley, who told them that he had lost his mobile phone.

His parents bought him a new one but when they refused his request for £10 he followed them home.

"He became angry and blocked them from getting into their own home," said Mr Donnelly, who added that there was then a scuffle on the doorstep and Mr Hinsley Snr handed over the cash.

The previous month Hinsley had been seen near the couple's home and the police informed and then on November 1 last year Hinsley turned up at his parent's sheltered housing again whilst they were out.

Hinsley, of Emmanuel Place, Bolton, banged on the door, kicked it and became abusive when a caretaker challenged him. He was arrested and remanded in prison.

The court heard that Hinsley's parents would like the restraining order altering so that he is able to contact them by phone.

Neil Ronan, defending, described Hinsley as a "socially inept" man with a number of ailments who does not make friends easily.

"His parents are at their wits end for a son they clearly still love," he said, adding that Hinsley needs psychiatric help.

Hinsley pleaded guilty to breaching his suspended sentence and three breaches of the restraining order.

Recorder Simon Hilton sentenced him to a 12-month community sentence which includes 12 months of drug rehabilitation and 15 days of rehabilitation activities.

He agreed to amend the restraining order to allow phone contact.