Chorley pensioner begs court to extend restraining order against her ‘abusive’ adult son

A pensioner from Chorley has told a court how she was subjected to “psychological, emotional, verbal, financial and physical abuse” at the hands of her adult son. Phyllis Little told magistrates Lee Jeffrey’s conduct was “tantamount to domestic abuse” and had left her fearing for her safety.

She was giving evidence at Preston Magistrates’ Court during a March 15 hearing to apply for a two-year extension to a restraining order against 42-year-old Jeffrey. The court heard Jeffrey, of Beechfields, Eccleston, had subjected his elderly mum to physical abuse that had resulted in her seeking extensive counselling and installing security cameras at her home.

Jeffrey was convicted over the abuse and banned from contacting his mum in March 2021 but magistrates were told that, as the court order neared its end, Mrs Little, of Coppull, Chorley, grew “increasingly fearful” over her son returning. She said: “I have become increasingly fearful, anxious and stressed, to the point of making me physically ill and unable to sleep.

“It is only now I have been advised I can apply to extend the restraining order and would very much like to do so. I remain living with the fear of repercussions from Lee for reporting the incidents to the police.” Mrs Little said she believed she would again be asked to hand over money to Jeffrey once he was permitted to resume contact and, as she had now retired and lived on a reduced income, feared what would happen if she was unable to help.

She added: “I am fearful of his actions when I am unable to assist with his finances. To help protect myself and my property, I have had security cameras installed at my house and to help myself mentally to cope with my renewed anxiety, I have recommenced counselling sessions. I have realised that the repeated abuse I have received from my son for many years, is tantamount to domestic abuse covering psychological, emotional, verbal, financial and latterly physical abuse. During the two years of this order I have been less stressed and felt safer in my own home.”

Magistrates granted Mrs Little’s application and extended Jeffrey’s restraining order for a further two years. He was also ordered not to enter Coppull, unless driving through for the purposes of work. This order lasts until March 16, 2025.

Why do people appear at Magistrates Court instead of Crown Court?

The vast majority of offences are dealt with at magistrates court, with only the most serious offences, such murder and rape, being heard at Crown Court in front of a judge. Magistrates and district judges deal most others, including minor offences such as motoring offences, minor criminal damage and common assault not causing significant injury.

They will also deal with more serious offences such a burglary and drug offences but will then pass the case to a higher court should they feel they do not have sufficient sentencing powers. Magistrates will also pass the serious – or indictable – offences such as murder, rape, other serious sexual offences, kidnapping and serious fraud, to the Crown Court, where judges have much greater sentencing powers and cases are heard before a jury.