Colchester man to be sentenced after family row over taxi

The violent incident in March began when Graeme Hicks, 31, and his father argued over a taxi booking after a night out drinking, with Hicks having left a set of keys behind.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard Hicks, of Old Chapel Drive, Stanway, went on to attack his father by punching him in the head and biting him on the chest before going into the kitchen and punching several holes in the living room door.

The incident happened between the hours of 3am and 7.30am on Sunday, March 26.

Guilty – Hicks, 31, admitted five charges when he appeared in court earlier this year (Image: Google Street View)

Prosecuting barrister Tommy Dominguez said: “The defendant then called his cousin and made threats over the phone saying he was going to burn his house down and rape his wife and kids.”

Hicks’s verbal tirade continued when, using his father’s mobile, he rang his cousin and left a voicemail saying, “if you come to my house I will rip your face off”.

After being arrested, Hicks, who has 18 convictions for 30 offences, gave a no comment interview to police.

Hicks admitted charges of conveying a threatening message, causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage. 

Tremain, for Hicks, said the defendant needs help with his mental health.

Court – Hicks appeared in front of a crown court judge in Chelmsford on Thursday (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

He said: “He is a man who needs a lot of support – in spite of that, it’s not been easy for him and he has engaged in with probation services.

Hicks had been due to be sentenced on Thursday, but the decision has been delayed so he can receive a full mental health assessment.

Addressing Hicks, the Judge Tim Godfrey said: “There is a strong likelihood is you will go to prison.

"I don’t want you to get your hopes up.

“It’s in your interest to co-operate with this process so that the judge who sentences you has full understanding of your situation.”

Hicks will be sentenced in Chelmsford on December 7.