AN ALCOHOLIC has been jailed for terrorising his family.

David Binks, 30, smashed a window at the home of his terminally-ill mum in New Century Road, Laindon, just before she died last month.

A week later he was arrested in possession of a knife at his sister-in-law’s home in Baker Close, Basildon.

At the time Binks, whose address was also given as New Century Road, was remanded in custody by magistrates so his mum could return home from hospital to die without fear of further harassment.

They were the latest in a string of offences dating back to 1991.

Andrew Frazer, prosecuting, outlined six previous convictions for criminal damage, one for possession of an offensive weapon, a public order offence, a breach of a community order and a fine for being drunk and disorderly.

He said Binks was a habitual offender.

Grant Benjamin, defending, said Binks had long battled alcoholism and had suffered mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety and paranoia.

He said: “What is clear is that this is a man who had a painful experience in terms of the death of his mother.

“Since then, his family have cut him off and, although I do not judge them badly for doing so, this has led to his continued poor decision making.”

He said Binks smashed the window out of “frustration” at being shunned by the family.

He added: “What is clear is that Mr Binks needs support if we are not to see him before this court again.”

At Basildon Crown Court, Judge John Lodge sentenced him to 16 weeks in prison, and warned: “The time has come when your family and the people of this town need protection from you. If you come back to this court I will lock you up for longer.”

Binks was found guilty by a jury of possession of a knife and criminal damage earlier this month.