An elderly couple from Mitchells Plain can finally live in peace – after their drug-addict son was found guilty of abusing them.
Action Society has assisted the senior citizens Marry-Anne and Marc Petersen after they both made a case against their son, Darren Petersen, who is in his twenties.
The court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to five years imprisonment wholly suspended for five years in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court in November.
Action Society assisted the parents in court with the matter.
The mother of Petersen explained that her son had been on drugs before – but was sent to rehab. However, after months of not using any drugs, he relapsed and started using again.
“We were so happy he got the help he needed – but when he started using again, he became violent,” the mother told Action Society.
“He would get so violent and swear at me, calling me all sorts of hurtful names. He would get violent as well. Recently he attacked my husband. I mean, we are old, and we cannot defend ourselves as we used to when we were younger. He is young and strong, so he takes advantage of that. I had enough; we have had enough of his abuse. We want him to get away from us,” she said.
Both parents testified in court, and the son was found guilty.
“I am satisfied that it was a guilty verdict. Despite the outcome, I am even more satisfied that Victory Outreach will assist my son with his drug addiction. He will also no longer bother us; that is the peace we need. Not to worry about being attacked or abused,” she said.
