Ben Bourton stabbed, pushed, bit, and hit his father
Bristol Crown Court in Small Street, Bristol.(Image: BPM MEDIA)
A man who stabbed his father 10 times and refused to let him go to hospital until he shaved his back has been given a hospital order. Ben Bourton attacked his father over a four-hour period in November 2023.
Bristol Crown Court heard that the 29-year-old’s father was visiting his son to deliver his medication and help him shower on Saturday, November 25, 2023, when his son became violent. He hit his father around the head with an open palm, hit him with a phone charger, and later stabbed him 10 times in the stomach, leg, and arm. The court heard the defendant had not taken his medication that day. He was charged with wounding with intent.
The court heard: “The blade went through Mr Bourton senior’s jumper and fleece and caused quite a deep wound. The most significant injury was the wound to his stomach. He tried to stem the bleeding with a towel.”
It was also heard that the defendant pushed his father, bit him, and pulled his coat over his head. His father tried to deescalate the situation and distract his son.
The defendant’s mother later arrived at the property. Despite his father’s serious injuries, Mr Bourton would not let him go to the hospital until he shaved his back, which he did. His father was later taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
Bourton, who did not appear in court as he was in a hospital unit had a previous caution for assaulting an emergency worker. However, the prosecution said that there were a number of “violent incidents” involving him that were not prosecuted.
The court heard that Bourton, of Clay Court in Downend, had a number of health issues, including autism, OCD, an eating disorder and anxiety. Defending, his lawyer said: “Last time I did see him in person he was grateful he was in a hospital setting rather than a prison setting.”
Speaking to the defendant as though he was in the room, Judge William Hart said: “Ben Bourton, you are 30 years of age next week. You have no previous convictions, you have one caution for assaulting an emergency worker in 2022, but you have a history of concerning behaviour.
“You wounded your father Paul Bourton who was then 58 years of age and did that by stabbing him some 10 times. The most significant wound was to his abdomen and his right arm.
“Your father tried to de-escalate the situation and calm you down, and he seemed to prioritise that and your wellbeing over his serious injuries.”
The judge then sentenced the defendant to a hospital order and restriction order.