A TEENAGER who attacked his terrified father by grabbing him round the throat could be facing a jail sentence, magistrates warned this week. Mark Peterson threw his father out of a chair during the fracas, and told him: If you call the police I will kill

A TEENAGER who attacked his terrified father by grabbing him round the throat could be facing a jail sentence, magistrates warned this week.

Mark Peterson threw his father out of a chair during the fracas, and told him: "If you call the police I will kill you and burn the house down with all of you in it."

The incident broke out after 19-year-old Peterson had dinner with his parents at their Chettisham home on June 30, Ely magistrates were told.

Peterson's father John had moved to the summer room to watch TV when the teenager stormed in and shouted, saying "let's go outside and sort this out."

Peterson launched himself at his father, got on top of him, and put both his hands round his father's throat.

"His father was terrified, and put his hand on the defendant's shoulder to try to push him off," said Laura Mardell, prosecuting.

"He picked up his father and threw him out of the chair, and he landed on the floor. He shouted repeatedly, "Let's fight," she said.

Mr Peterson fell back into his chair, and the teenager stamped on his father's leg, causing a sharp pain.

As he walked out of the property, he swept crockery and a deep fat fryer to the ground, causing �200-worth of damage.

In a victim's statement, Peterson's father said members of the family had been mentally scarred by the incident.

He said Peterson had serious anger issues, and asked the court to facilitate treatment for his won.

The teenager, who works as a carpenter, admitted assault and criminal damage. Sentencing was adjourned for the probation service to prepare a report, and Peterson was given conditional bail.