A MAN who killed his stepfather has been banned from contacting his mother after he was accused of controlling her over a period of seven years.

Michael Pedder admitted the manslaughter of his 69-year-old stepfather Brian Marsh on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Police were called to Mr Marsh’s house in Whittington Road, Westlea, after a “frenzied” attack on May 14, 2007 that saw the victim kicked to death.

Pedder, now 61, was sectioned under the Mental Health Act at the time after it was heard he suffered “complex” mental health problems, including obsessive compulsive disorder.

But Pedder was back in court on Friday (September 9) where he was asked to answer charges of assault by beating and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

Both charges related to his mother, Doreen Marsh.

It was alleged that Pedder assaulted his mother in Swindon on July 7.

Prosecutors further alleged the defendant dictated who she could see and controlled her finances between January 2015 and July 2022.

Appearing from Bullingdon Prison via video link, the defendant denied the charges, but prosecutor Steven Molloy formally offered no evidence.

“In light of the defendant’s mental health issues, a pragmatic view has been taken that the defendant is willing to accept and abide by a restraining order on acquittal on result of the Crown offering no evidence,” he told the court.

“In essence it simply prevents the defendant from going to his mother’s address for a period of 12 months.

“The alleged victim has made a statement expressing the view that she does not wish to be party to a prosecution. In light of that the Crown wish to take that pragmatic view, subject to Your Honour’s view of course.”

Judge James Townsend altered the proposed restraining order so it prevented Pedder, now of Staple Hill Road in Bristol, attending his mother’s address without her permission, which will have effect for one year.

Judge Townsend formally entered not guilty verdicts on both counts.

Speaking to the Adver after Pedder’s sentencing in 2009, Mrs Marsh said her son had her full support, and that her husband’s abuse had driven him to kill.

“Michael is the most kind natured person you could ever meet,” she said.

“He would never have done this if my husband hadn’t driven him to it.

“He was already getting better when he came home, but my husband pushed him until he snapped.”

After admitting manslaughter, Pedder was given an indefinite hospital order under section 37 of the Mental Health Act, which allowed doctors to detain him for treatment, rather than a determinate prison sentence.