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21

Feb 2024

News
News

Knaresborough barrister attacked in-laws who overstayed their welcome

Published: 21 Feb 2024, 16:41 GMT

by Flora Grafton

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jonathan-gabriel-french-21011975

A Knaresborough barrister "lost the plot" and attacked his in-laws after their short stay at his family home lasted longer than expected.

Jonathan French shouted that he "couldn't stand" the couple, ordered "get them out of my house" then branded them "scroungers" before he lashed out in March last year.


Newcastle Crown Court heard, while in a "complete rage", French pushed his mother-in-law and they both fell on the floor, which left her with a significant bruise to her bottom.


When she rang 999, French put his hands over her mouth and face then threw her phone across the room and smashed it.

He then turned his aggression on his father-in-law, who he punched in the ribs and bust his lip.

The 49-year-old lawyer, of Coverdale Drive, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, admitted assault, common assault and criminal damage on the day he was due to be tried.

French is currently suspended from work but hopes to return to his profession.

French 'lost the plot'


The court heard the in-laws had been staying at French's plush family home as they had sold their property and were in the process of moving to Portugal, where they now live.


French snapped after the stay lasted longer than expected, although they were due to leave within days.

Judge Robert Adams said French "really lost the plot" when he got home from work that day.

The judge said:

"He was heard shouting 'get them out of my house', 'I can't stand them', 'I can't tolerate them anymore' and 'they're nothing but scroungers'.
"He ran upstairs into their bedroom and began screaming at his father-in-law, telling him to get out immediately.
"The father-in-law had asked to pack his things but was told to leave immediately."


The court heard French called his mother-in-law a "worthless f***ing b**ch" then again demanded that they leave then threw their suitcases around the room.


Prosecutor Sue Hirst said:

"He pushed her back onto the bed and they both fell onto the floor. In causing her to fall he caused a significant bruise to her bottom.
"She grabbed her phone and dialled 999 and began to speak to the operator."


Miss Hirst said French put his hands over her mouth then threw and smashed her phone.


She added:

"He proceeded to assault his father-in-law, punching him in the ribs and assaulting him, causing an injury to the lip which was bleeding."


Susannah Proctor, defending, said French was under an "extreme amount of pressure" at the time, has had counselling and has been in custody on remand.


Miss Proctor said French is currently suspended from his profession pending the outcome of the sentence hearing.

Miss Proctor added:

"He is hoping to rejoin chambers where he was working."


Judge Adams sentenced French to a conditional discharge for two years.


The judge said he could take the "exceptional course" due to the time French has spent behind bars on remand.






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