A TERRIFIED grandmother called police after her own grandson threatened to smack her with a spade.

Christian Shearman brandished the garden implement as part of his attempts to demand cash from his grandmother Julie Britt.

The 19-year-old, who had once headbutted his late grandfather, even threatened to cover her with the contents of a bucket and smash up her car if she didn’t hand over money, which was probably for drugs, Southampton Crown Court heard.

Five days later, the teenager threw a mobile phone at Mrs Britt in a fit of temper, although he claimed he had not meant to hit her.

Hours later, the court was told, Shearman grabbed her arm and threatened to throw paint over her car in a demand for money.

But when he again became verbally aggressive, she decided she could take no more and called the police, prosecutor Chris Stopa told the court.

Mrs Britt was found by officers in an alleyway adjacent to her home.

“She told them she had had enough and wanted him out of her life,” said Mr Stopa.

“She has great affection for her grandson but it was the repetition of his behaviour and she wanted that to stop.”

Shearman, of Bracklesham Close, Sholing, admitted causing fear of violence through harassment.

He received a 12-month suspended sentence coupled with 18 months’ supervision designed to help his anger management, and ordered to carry out 120 hours’ unpaid work for the community.

Passing sentence, Judge Peter Henry told Shearman: “What you did was disgraceful and frightening for your grandmother.

"She says she wants no contact with you, but if there is an improvement in your behaviour and you recognise what you have been doing, there may be reconciliation.

“She is obviously a very caring lady who loves you, but she cannot be expected to put up with your violent behaviour.”