A TEENAGER involved in two separate violent incidents with family members is starting a five-year term of custody.

Ryan Stephen Brownless attacked three members of a family after barging into their home while in possession of a hammer, picked up at the scene, as his father Shaun Edwin Brownless stood at the door.

Durham Crown Court heard it followed an incident earlier in the day, in Coundon, on February 24, 2020, when Ryan Brownless caused grazed a pedestrian while riding his quad bike.

It was followed by shouting between those involved, before Ryan Brownless, accompanied by his father, went to the home of the victim seeking a fight.

Glenn Gatland, prosecuting, said all three males present at the home were injured by Brownless with the hammer, although it was stressed he “armed” himself only after entering the house.

Mr Gatland said Shaun Brownless did not enter or take part in the violence, but stood in the doorway, “in support” of his son.

When later arrested, both Ryan and Shaun Brownless made no comment to police questions.

Mr Gatland said while on bail awaiting trial, Ryan Brownless and cousin Michael Anthony Brownless, went to the home of a man who they accused of taking drugs said to be worth £1,000, on March 29, last year.

Having made threats to him if he did not come up with the £1,000 “payment”, he was then driven five or six miles in his own car, before being abandoned in a layby and having his phone taken from him by the Brownless’s.

The victim was also struck on the nose, while wearing spectacles, during the ordeal.

Both defendants initially denied involvement and, again, a trial was set to take place.

But the court was told that at the eleventh hour in both cases guilty pleas were made to various offences.

Ryan Brownless, of Well Chare, Coundon, admitted kidnap, aggravated burglary, three counts of assault, making threats to kill and theft.

Lewis Kerr, mitigating, said Brownless, who is 19 on Sunday, was aged only 17 and 18 at the time of the separate incidents.

“He’s a young man with limited previous involvement with the justice system.

“His probation report refers to his immaturity and how he can be easily influenced by others, while it was only recently recognised that he has adhd, which is now being addressed with medication, which may reduce his impulsivity and recklessness.”

Judge Ray Singh imposed sentences in a young offenders’ institution totalling five years.

Shaun Brownless, 36, also of Well Chare, who admitted affray, received a five-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with 20 rehabilitation days working with the Probation Service.

Michael Anthony Brownless, 30, of Bury St Edmunds, in Suffolk, who admitted kidnap, threats to kill and theft, received a two-year sentence, suspended for two years, with 30 rehabilitation days, 120 hours’ unpaid work and a three-month 7pm to 6am home curfew.

Both Ryan and Michael Brownless were also made subject to lifetime restraining orders relating to the kidnap victim.

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