A MUM and her son attacked a man in a drunken row with the mum attempting to stab the victim with an umbrella.

Patricia Duddridge and her son Shane Ruffell attacked the man in Duddridge’s own home in Eastwood following the row.

After the 64-year-old woman attacked him with the umbrella, Ruffell, 43, arrived and grabbed a speaker and threw it at the man’s face, which has left a permanent scar.

He claimed he feared for his mum’s safety.

The man and Duddridge had a history of socialising and drinking together.

Basildon Crown Court heard that the victim had received a call saying people were trying to get into his home, and returned to his house in Priory Wood Drive.

He then went to Duddridge’s flat in Snakes Lane and a heated argument broke out.

Prosecuting, Gerard Benouf said: “She said ‘what are you doing here, get out, get out of my flat’.

“She got an umbrella out, stabbing him with it like a sword, hitting him on the arm, he was bruised.”

Mr Benouf said Ruffell arrived with another person, and due to the man acting aggressively he threw the speaker.

Reading the victim impact statement, Mr Benouf said: “I do not feel safe where I am living, and I have requested to move house. I never want to see them again or for them to come anywhere near me.”

Duddridge and Ruffell, both of Snakes Lane, admitted affray.

Mitigating for Ruffell, Chris Whitcombe said he had previously cared for his father who died 18 months ago, and that the attack was not planned.

Paul Lazarus, mitigating for Duddridge, said she had felt threatened by the victim’s behaviour and that it was out of character.

Recorder Claire Davies said: “Your behaviour on this occasion was dreadful.

“It demonstrates what drink can do and how things can change.

“You picked up effectively a weapon, but I accept that you have not done that before.”

Appearing at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, Duddridge and Ruffell both received suspended sentences as well as being handed a two-year restraining order against the victim.