UPDATE: A Newcastle woman has been sentenced after a shocking assault on her vulnerable mother left the victim bruised and terrified. Caroline Aggas, 41, attacked her mother in their home following a day of heavy drinking, according to reports from Newcastle Crown Court.
The incident unfolded on September 19, 2023, when police responded to a call from a speech and language therapist who reported the assault. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim visibly shaken and displaying multiple bruises on her arms and chest.
Details of the Assault: During the attack, Aggas is accused of punching, kicking, and nipping her mother, along with throwing water on her and hurling her medication out of the window. The victim, who has mobility issues, struggled to retrieve her medication after the assault. Prosecutor Jennifer Coxon revealed that Aggas also kicked a TV screen, resulting in damage, and used a knife during the altercation, causing a small cut on her mother’s chest.
The victim expressed her fear to authorities, stating she was “genuinely petrified” and had difficulty sleeping following the incident. After the attack, she was hospitalized for over a week, highlighting the severe impact of Aggas’s actions.
In court, Aggas pleaded guilty to assault, claiming she did not deliberately use the knife but admitted to kicking, scratching, and punching her mother during a conflict. Recorder Rebecca Brown sentenced her to 13 months suspended for 18 months and mandated a six-month drug rehabilitation program, accompanied by a restraining order against her mother.
The judge emphasized the breach of trust inherent in familial relationships, stating, “It represents a violation of the trust and security that usually exists in a family relationship.”
Defense attorney Jordan Parkinson highlighted that Aggas had not contacted her mother since the incident and acknowledged her heavy intoxication from drugs and alcohol at the time. She expressed remorse for her actions and acknowledged the turbulent upbringing that contributed to her behavior. Parkinson noted that Aggas is still battling substance use as a means of coping with her mental health issues but has been urged by her son to seek help for the sake of her future grandchild.
What’s Next: The case has raised concerns about domestic violence, particularly in situations involving vulnerable individuals. The judicial system’s response reflects a growing awareness of the need for both accountability and rehabilitation for offenders. As Aggas navigates her suspended sentence, the community watches closely, hoping for healing and reform.
This urgent case highlights the critical need for support for vulnerable individuals and the importance of addressing domestic violence issues within families. Further updates are expected as this situation unfolds, emphasizing the ongoing challenges and complexities of such cases.
