A SON carried out a brutal, three-hour assault on his 78- year-old mother in her home.

Shirley Stokes eventually managed to flee for her life before being taken to hospital.

Martin Stokes, 50, of Vista Road, Clacton, admitted at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday causing grievous bodily harmwith intent.

A previous hearing was told Stokes had gone to visit his mother in St Osyth when he turned violent and started hitting her repeatedly.

After three hours of abuse, he went to look for a cigarette lighter and she managed to flee and take refuge with neighbours.

Paramedics went to her aid at about 10pm on Monday, June 1.

She was taken to Colchester General Hospital with severe facial injuries, including a broken nose, multiple lacerations and serious bruising and swelling.

Stokes was later arrested.

On Monday, Judge Christopher Ball, QC, remanded Stokes in custodywhile the probation service carries out a pre-sentence report. Psychological and psychiatric reports are also likely to done.

The judge said: “It is important for me to determine just how dangerous you may be in the future and whether there are any issues surrounding mental health.”

Stokes was remanded in custody for sentence during the week beginning September 7.