A MAN attacked his father and damaged his car after a drunken disagreement at his home, a court heard.

Christopher Paul McGowan was said to have been under the influence of both drink and drugs when he struck his father, Paul, before picking up a knife, causing fear it may be used.

Durham Crown Court heard that the incident took place following an increasingly heated row between the pair at his father’s home in Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, early on the evening of Sunday, November 8.

Martin Towers, prosecuting, said it was now accepted through the defendant’s basis of plea that the blow delivered by McGowan was more of a “slap with an open hand”, than a punch.

Mr Towers said at one point McGowan went to the kitchen and took hold of a knife, leading to a call to police at 6.15pm.

McGowan left the premises, in Fynway, and when officers arrived at the address no formal complaint was made, but the defendant returned and there was a further confrontation.

Mr Towers said it resulted in a second call to police, and, by the time officers again reached the scene, damage was found to have been caused to Mr McGowan’s Ford Focus, parked outside his home.

Ornaments were said to have been thrown, damaging the side panel of the car, while footprints were found on the bonnet.

The defendant was arrested following a struggle and found to be in possession of a small amount of cannabis.

When he was later interviewed, he made no comments to police questions.

Thirty-year-old McGowan, of Gardiner Road, Grindon, Sunderland, admitted charges of affray, criminal damage, possessing a class B drug and two counts of obstructing a constable in the execution of duty.

Mr Towers said he had spoken to Mr McGowan senior, in the light of his son’s ‘guilty’ pleas, and he said he did not wish to have a restraining order put in place.

Robin Patton, mitigating, said there have been “highs and lows” in McGowan’s relationship with his father, but he still has “great affection” for him.

Mr Patton said the defendant hoped to overcome his difficulties with drink and drugs, and has a job awaiting as a painter and decorator.

He added that the defendant has been in custody for more than five months since the incident.

Judge Simon Hickey said given the time McGowan has spent in custody, he could suspend the sentence.

He imposed an eight month sentence, suspended for a year, during which he must complete 20-days rehabilitation activity work with the Probation Service.