Last updated at 16:41, Friday, 17 August 2012

A MAN has been cleared of assaulting his own grandmother while she was recovering from cancer.

BACK ON TRACK: Members of the Cumbria Better Connected campaign with John Woodcock MP

Carl Ward was cleared of an alleged assault on his 65-year-old grandmother Anita Ward following a trial in Furness Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

However, Ward, of Raglan Court, Barrow, admitted assaulting his sister on June 1.

The 20-year-old had gone to his grandmother’s house in Wordsworth Street at around 10.15am on June 1 to pick up a sick note that Mrs Ward had collected.

On arrival Ward found the dates on the note were incorrect which prompted him to launch into a foul-mouthed tirade.

Though Ward admitted losing his temper he denied pushing his grandmother, a woman who the court heard had raised him until he was 16.

His sister, Roxanne Ward was sleeping upstairs but came down after hearing Ward shouting at his grandmother who was recovering from breast cancer at the time.

Mrs Ward claimed her grandson pushed her to the chest forcing her onto the sofa before Miss Ward came downstairs, while Miss Ward claimed she had witnessed the alleged assault.

It was also alleged before leaving the house that Ward had grabbed Miss Ward by the throat but magistrates’ said there was no evidence this assault had happened.
Ward remained adamant he had not touched his grandmother but admitted pushing his sister in the chest.

Under cross-examination Ward said: “I love my nana. I did not touch her.

“I said (in interview) I assaulted my sister by pushing her but I have not ever touched my gran.”

Presiding magistrate Dr Raj Rathi said: “We find you not guilty of assaulting Anita Ward. Her evidence contradicted her initial statement and the evidence of Miss Ward. There is doubt, therefore we find you not guilty.”

Ward previously pleaded guilty to the assault on Miss Ward and the case was adjourned for an all options report.

He was released on bail but forbidden from the front or rear of Wordsworth Street and from contacting Miss Ward or Mrs Ward.

He will appear for sentence in Furness Magistrates’ Court on August 23.

First published at 16:39, Friday, 17 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk