Paul Mathew Mogford assaults woman in Caloundra West

An elderly mother has been left ‘terrified’ after her son flung her into a wall in Caloundra West leading to the discovery of his drug growing operation.

A 74-year-old mother has been left “terrified” after she was pushed into a wall by her forklift driving son which led cops to bust his drug growing operation.

Paul Mathew Mogford, 51, received a suspended jail sentence after he “flung” his mother into a wall at a Caloundra West home on December 12, 2021.

Caloundra Magistrates Court heard the 51-year-old Surfers Paradise man’s mother couldn’t recall to police if the attack was a slap, punch or a hit.

Mogford was later charged with serious assault of a person over 60 (domestic violence offence).

He was also charged with producing marijuana, possessing anything used in the commission of a crime and possessing utensils after his marijuana growing greenhouse was found on December 14, 2021.

Mogford represented himself and said the assault was a push to get his mother out of his way but accepted his hand connected with her jaw.

The 51-year-old admitted in court that his behaviour went beyond what was needed to defend himself.

Magistrate Katherine Benson said Mogford’s mother not only suffered injuries from the assault but had endured psychological and emotional stress due to the assailant being her son.

Ms Benson said Mogford was quite a “solidly built man” who was much younger than the victim and said the attack would’ve been “terrifying for her”.

The 51-year-old said he deeply regretted the assault and had to move out due to the charges.

Mogford pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to nine months’ jail to be suspended for 18 months.

He was then fined $1000 for the drug charges with convictions recorded.