TV remote row led to stabbing of brother

Gary Geldard was initially involved in an argument with one brother over programmes when another sibling, Martin, joined in as well, Adam Birkby prosecuting told Leeds Crown Court yesterday.

The dispute subsided while Gary Geldard fed his eight-month-old son but when he finished and began changing channels again Martin grabbed the remote control from him.

He was then punched in the face and when Gary Geldard tried to hit him again Martin pushed him away onto the sofa where he collided with his baby son.

That made him angry but when he went towards his brother he was grabbed around the throat and his neck was squeezed until his face was red and he was struggling for breath.

Mr Birkby said that when Geldard was released he went into the kitchen and picked up a knife and came out saying: "You don't hurt my kid."

His brother got him in a headlock but Geldard struck out with the knife, catching his brother in the thigh before dropping the knife on the floor. His brother needed seven stitches to the wound.

When arrested Geldard told police: "I didn't mean to stab him. I just wanted to frighten him. I saw red when he hurt my son."

Gary Geldard, 22, of Lodge Terrace, Burley, Leeds, was jailed for 12 months after admitting unlawful wounding.

Judge Sally Cahill QC told him his conduct was inexcusable. She said she understood he was annoyed because of the earlier fight which had then involved his son, but added: "The way to deal with that was not to pick up a knife but to pick up your child and move him from the room."

Michael Walsh for Geldard told the court that what began as a ridiculous and futile argument escalated because he felt provoked by his brother's actions. "Thankfully the injury was not more serious."