Drunken son who beat up his father at his parents’ wedding vows renewal celebration after he was confronted about taking cocaine avoids jail

A son who beat his own father at his parents’ wedding vow renewal after being accused of taking cocaine has avoided jail.

Ian and Mandy Shorey celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows at Dudsbury Golf Club in Ferndown, Dorset, on May 6.

But the family celebration ended in violence when a drunken Aaron Shorey attacked his father, who accused him of using cocaine.

He struck Mr Shorey repeatedly in the face and chest and had to be pulled away by shocked wedding guests.

After admitting offenses including assaulting an emergency worker, Shorey was given a community order.

Aaron Shorey (right) beat his father Ian Shorey (left) but avoided prison

Ian and Mandy Shorey celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows at Dudsbury Golf Club in Ferndown, Dorset.

Police were called at 10.20pm on May 6 to find Shorey “intoxicated and emotional” at the golf club.

Threatening to commit suicide, he pushed one of the police officers to the floor and was subsequently arrested. Police also found a small amount of cocaine in his possession.

The court heard Mr Shorey Snr was taken to hospital and had an x-ray but was fortunately left with only chest tenderness and a nose bleed.

He did not support his son’s accusation and even provided him with a reference to the court.

He told Judge Orla Austin he wants to reconnect with his son and they are getting along better than ever.

Victoria Hill, prosecuting, said: “The victim never supported the prosecution. He initially gave a statement to the police, but retracted it soon after.

“The victim of the offenses is the father of the accused. They were all at Dudsbury Golf Club in Ferndown as the victim and his wife renewed their vows.

“There was a verbal altercation regarding his drug use which appears to have caused some problems. The defendant repeatedly punched the victim several times in the face and chest.

“One witness said the defendant was definitely aiming for the victim’s head. Other people stepped in to share it.

Mr. Shorey (right) did not support his son’s accusation and even provided him with a reference to the court.

The couple’s son has now returned to the family home and is no longer taking drugs, a court has heard.

“Police found the defendant nearby and told them he had broken his father’s head. He was intoxicated and emotional and refused to stay with police.

“He walked away saying he was going to kill himself and officers grabbed him. He responded by lashing out and pushing PC Wells, causing him to fall to the floor. Luckily Constable Wells was not injured.”

Mr Shorey Snr said: “I want to build a relationship with my son. He expressed remorse after it happened and now we seem to get along better than ever.

“I think he was shocked by what he did.”

When the judge asked about drug use, Mr. Shorey said his son lived with him and his mother and, as far as they knew, he no longer took them.

Aaron Shorey admitted assaulting his father, possession of a class A drug and assaulting an emergency service worker.

James Moore, defending, said: “This was a terrible incident. Mr. Shorey was wrong about the man he probably loves the most. He is devastated.

“But you can get positive out of negativity if you want and can. He underwent counseling and learned that alcohol is a very dangerous drug that drives you crazy.

“He has returned to the family home and is very remorseful. He wouldn’t dare bring himself to such a state that he would most likely do it again.”

District Judge Orla Austin sentenced Shorey to 12 months’ community service with 160 hours of unpaid work and ordered him to pay compensation of £200 to P.S. Wells and costs of £85.

She said: “It was a terrible incident. Your father was renewing his wedding vows on what was to be a special and memorable occasion.

“But he came out of it with injuries inflicted by you.” I accept that alcohol and drugs contributed to this, and because of your good character, what is being said about probation, your remorse and references, I am willing to impose a community order.”