A MAN who smashed a cup over his mum’s head was warned that all options would be open to the court when he is sentenced next month.

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court on Friday, Michael Merchant, 45, of Harrington Walk, Walcot, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm.

He was said to have struck his mother over the head with a cup then punched her in September last year. The woman was left with a gash to her head and a broken finger.

Defending, Richard Williams asked for the case to be adjourned for a pre-sentence report. He told the court his client suffered from mental health issues.

He said Merchant had been drunk when he attacked his mother and could only recall striking her with the cup and not punching her.

Judge Jason Taylor QC bailed Merchant for the sentencing hearing on February 12. He said: “I’m going to adjourn for a pre-sentence report. I’m not giving any indication as to sentence. You know that it [the assault] is nasty.”