A man who hit his mum’s neighbours round the head with a rolling pin and bit one of them has been jailed for his outbursts. 

James Morgan, 35, of Rabley Wood View, Marlborough, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment, criminal damage and assault by beating at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Monday, August 19.

On August, 24 2023, a neighbour overheard a disorder between Morgan and his mum and called the police due to concerns about his behaviour.

While on the phone to 999, Morgan called her a derogatory racial slur, which can be heard in the background of the call.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the neighbour described feeling “extremely hurt and offended” by the “unprovoked and undeserved” attack, saying she was glad her children were not present because then she would have to explain the term to them.

Morgan was given a suspended prison sentence in January for making indecent or grossly offensive telephone calls, texts and Facebook messages.

Following this on Saturday, May 18 there was another outburst when he threw his TV down the stairs and punched a hole in his mum’s TV while under the influence of alcohol.

Again, neighbours were concerned after hearing shouting and one neighbour told Morgan to "calm down", but as he was walking away, he was hit over the head with a heavy object, causing pain and swelling.

The court was told that later that day, around 8pm, a neighbour who had known Morgan for three years went round when he overheard more aggressive behaviour at the property and tried to call the police.

The court heard that Morgan suddenly lunged towards the victim, armed with a rolling pin, which is what officers believe the previous victim had been struck with.

The neighbour then tried to grab the rolling pin from Morgan, who bit him on the chest, causing bleeding and a visible mark, but no hospital treatment was required.

Morgan claimed he bit the neighbour because he had placed him in a headlock and said the catalyst for his violence was an ongoing feud with a neighbour over social media.

Mr Williams, in mitigation, said: “This is a man who for many years has struggled with alcohol consumption.

“Mr Morgan bitterly regrets and feels bad about these offences.”

He added that Morgan had stopped drinking since May, saying “it may not save the day but that is something Mr Morgan is extremely proud of.”

Morgan was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison and he has been ordered to pay a surcharge of £154 and prosecution costs of £85.