Mother still loves cancer-suffering son despite assault, Whanganui court hears

Troy William Bingley couldn't find his cigarettes and matters escalated dramatically from there. Photo / File

"I love Troy. I'm his mother, but I can't help him anymore."

That is what the mother of Troy William Bingley said after she was assaulted by her son who lashed out at her because he could not find his cigarettes.

Bingley is suffering with cancer for which he is receiving treatment. He appeared in Whanganui District Court for sentencing on Tuesday.

Judge Barbara Morris sentenced Bingley following convictions of male assaults female, assaulting a person with a blunt instrument and doing wilful damage.

"You were at home with your mother. You couldn't find where your cigarettes were and you became agitated at her," Judge Morris said.

"You began yelling at her and then hit her over the head a number of times with your open palm."

Bingley's mother told her son to stop hitting her, however, he said that if he hit her again, next time it would be with an elbow and he demonstrated how he would do that.

Another male present at the address intervened telling Bingley to stop hitting her.

"That didn't bring you to your senses, rather you turned your attention to him. You started yelling at him and your mother then tried to protect him by getting inbetween," the Judge said.

"You picked up a 1kg dumbell and threw it at [him], striking him in the back. He dropped to the ground and was screaming in agony."

Bingley's mother told him to leave the property, but he didn't listen, so she left and returned later.

When she arrived back, Bingley was still there.

"You later left after consuming pills and returned at 10.30, again yelling at her, saying you had overdosed," the Judge said.

"She told you to go to hospital, you tried to force open the door, you kicked the front door in and ripped her phone from her – pushing her in the doorway in the process."

Bingley's mother suffered bruising and soreness from the impact and his brother suffered shooting pain in his leg.

Despite this, the other male was able to run to a neighbouring property and police were called.

Defence counsel Jamie Waugh said that a report on his client painted a picture of a young man with a wide variety of needs.

Bingley has a history of head injuries, mental health issues, poverty, homelessness and in January, he was diagnosed with cancer.

He is in the process of organising his treatment to take place in Palmerston North instead of having to travel to Hamilton.

Bingley has previous convictions for violent offending in 2014.

"I've read your very sad history," Judge Morris said.

"I look at what you've had to endure and the illnesses you now have and I think that you, the community and your family are best served by a sentence that is to assist you in the future."

Judge Morris sentenced Bingley to 12 months' supervision.

"Mr Bingley, I wish you luck with your future."