A DRUNKEN teenager who held an air pistol to his mother's head and demanded money was jailed for 12 months.

Builder's labourer Benjamin Reeves, 18, of Sandbourne Road, Poole, also threw mother Linda Reeves into a wall and hurled a glass at the wall during the incident on July 6 this year.

Judge Roger Jarvis at Bournemouth Crown Court described Reeves' behaviour as "shameful" and said he posed a "significant risk to members of the public".

Prosecutor Ethu Crorie told Bournemouth Crown Court Reeves has a history of violence which prompted his mother to have a police panic button installed.

On July 6 she received a call from Reeves who asked to be picked up from the pub and demanded £40.

He was taken home by his mother and continued to ask for money. When she refused Reeves grabbed her, spun her around into the wall and grabbed her left arm.

He left the house when given £20 but returned to search for vodka. Seeing his mother he drew an air pistol and aimed it at her head.

Police later arrested Reeves and recovered the gun from the house, said Mr Crorie.

Reeves pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and common assault.

He told police he had drunk two cans of beer and six brandies and said he needed the cash to pay back a friend.

He said he did not recall grabbing his mother's arm but admitted pointing the gun at her head. He said the gun could not have been fired as the gas cartridge had run out.

Ian Ross, defending, said Reeves made no attempt to run away or hide the gun and that he regretted his actions.

He said: "He used the gun to frighten his mother. He needs support and professional help."

First published: August 29