EXASPERATED licensees finally reported their addict son to police after he repeatedly tried taking money from the pub safe to pay for his drink and drugs.

Richard Pallister was arrested after injuring his mother trying to grab her bag as he desperately hunted for the safe keys.

But, having spent five weeks behind bars, Pallister was due to be released yesterday (Friday March 27) thanks to his supportive parents.

In their victim statement, presented to Durham Crown Court for their son’s sentencing hearing, they urged a judge not to imprison him, saying they wanted him to be treated in the community to address his problems.

Judge Christopher Prince agreed, and told 20-year-old Pallister his first act after being released from prison should be to ring his parents to thank them.

Pallister, formerly of The Grange, Easington Village, appeared via video link from Durham Prison, having already admitted theft, attempted robbery and burglary.

Sam Faulks, mitigating, said his parents, who run a pub in the village, had had problems with their son “for some time”, as he took methadone to overcome a heroin habit while struggling with alcohol issues.

During the weeks leading up to arrest, he stole an estimated £335 from the safe, broke into the family home and took about £50. While he struggled with his mother, trying to grab the bag from her grasp, he pushed her backwards into a television set, causing bruising.

Mr Faulks told the court: “It was at this point that his parents felt they had no alternative but to ring police.

“Officers came and arrested him and he made full admissions in interview.”

The court heard Pallister has previous offences for burglary and theft on his record.

Stephen Constantine, mitigating, said it appeared the defendant’s parents wanted to help, but didn't want him at their home or the pub.

“It’s a very unusual set of circumstances in that the victims, his own parents, have indicated they want to help and support the defendant, their own son.”

Judge Prince agreed to impose a restraining order, barring Pallister from his parents’ house or their business.

He imposed a 16 month sentence in a young offenders’ institution, suspended for two years, during which Pallister will undergo probation supervision as part of a community rehabilitation order.

The judge told him: “When you’re released from prison I suggest the first thing you should do is to phone your parents and thank them for their support.”