Praise for brave mother who spoke out after brutal assault at hands of 'vicious, horrible' son

Ryan Harland, 29, of Morpeth, attacked his 58-year-old mother in her own home by beating her with a lump of wood.

After the callous attack, he went upstairs to bed – and left her helpless on the floor.

The next day he ordered her to say she had fallen down the stairs when an ambulance was called.

She was taken to hospital and treated for two broken hands, a broken arm, broken fingers, a bruised ribcage, and injuries to her head.

The victim then told police officers what had happened.

Discussing her son, Harland’s mother said: “He can sometimes be a gentleman but that night was a vicious, horrible animal who hurt me badly.”

Harland pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and a judge at Newcastle Crown Court sentenced him to seven years behind bars.

Detective Constable Mark Tait, who was in charge of the case, said: “Ryan Harland is a dangerous man who savagely and callously beat his own mother then forced her to lie to ambulance staff before allowing her to get medical help.

“It takes a lot of strength to speak out against your attacker but it takes even more strength to speak out when that person’s your own son.

“I am full of praise for his brave victim.

“I know she was truly terrified to speak out but she did the right thing and her courage has now seen a dangerous man put behind bars where he can no longer hurt her, or anyone else.

“Domestic abuse is not just confined to romantic relationships, it comes in many forms and I want to urge people who are suffering in silence to please speak out.”

Victims of domestic abuse can contact Northumbria Polie on 101, or 999 in an emergency, visit the ‘Tell us Something’ pages of the police website or contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116 who will give independent advice and support.

An application for Clare's Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) can be made via Northumbria Police website.

For more information search ‘Clare's Law Northumbria Police’ online.