Pensioner given restraining order for swinging hockey stick at woman

Frank Brearley, 73, has been banned from having any contact with Tina Crawshaw, who he confronted on December 9 last year.

Ms Crawshaw was walking her dog with her sister in Thornhill at around 11am when she saw Brearley, of Smithy Parade, Thornhill.

During a trial last month, Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard Brearley’s pets were often aggressive towards Ms Crawshaw’s dog.

On the day in question, Ms Crawshaw let Brearley go past her, but found him waiting for her in Smithy Parade.

He repeatedly swore at her, then went at her with a hockey stick he used to help him walk, narrowly missing her head with it.

Ms Crawshaw carried on walking along the road, but Brearley continued to shout abuse at her.

Brearley was found guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress and possessing an offensive weapon.

Prosecuting at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court this morning (Thursday), James Weeks said: “The complainant was walking with her 10-year-old sister and the defendant showed little remorse in interview.”

Zahid Majeed, mitigating, said he did not object to the prosecution’s application for a restraining order.

He said: “Mr Brearley resides in the area and comes across this lady, but he has no intention of wanting to speak to her and will not be contacting her directly or indirectly.”

District Judge Marie Mallon sentenced Brearley to a 20 week community order with a four hour curfew during the day, and a 12 month restraining order. He must pay £620 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.