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Patrick Crerand Jr, the 61-year-old son of Manchester United legend Paddy Crerand, has avoided jail after admitting to attacking his sister at their elderly parents' home. He received a nine-month suspended prison sentence after pushing Lorraine Crerand into a radiator, breaking her shoulder.
The assault occurred on March 6 at the family's £879,000 property in Sale, Greater Manchester. Bolton Crown Court heard that an argument erupted around 10pm after Patrick Crerand Jr had been watching a Manchester United match with his father.
Prosecutor Alistair Reid told the court: «At around 10pm, the defendant went into the conservatory where the complainant was. An argument developed, with the complainant making comments about the defendant's partner, to which Mr Crerand responded in abusive terms.»
The confrontation escalated when 58-year-old Lorraine Crerand asked her brother to leave. Reid continued: «He then pushed the complainant, causing her to lose balance and fall against a radiator. Miss Crerand described her head and back hitting the radiator. She got up and immediately ran to the front door, leaving the property to get away from her brother.»
Serious injury discovered
Lorraine Crerand initially didn't realize she was injured due to shock and adrenaline. The next day, she experienced what she described as «excruciating pain» and sought medical attention. On March 10, doctors at Trafford General Hospital diagnosed a fractured right clavicle and muscular damage.
The injury left her unable to dress herself, clean her home, or care for her parents without help from her daughter or friends. She told police she became «fearful of returning to her parents' home» if her brother might be present.
Defendant denied wrongdoing
Patrick Crerand Jr initially denied responsibility, telling one of his sister's friends: «She fell over p****d - why are you believing an alcoholic for God's sake?» In a Facebook message, he wrote: «Just to let you know Diane I pushed Lorraine she fell over p****d, why are you believing an alcoholic for God's sake.»
When arrested on March 22, he admitted pushing his sister but denied further assault, claiming she «fell over everywhere she goes.»
Court shows leniency
Judge Jon Close acknowledged the complex family situation at Bolton Crown Court. Both siblings serve as carers for their parents - Paddy Crerand, 86, and his wife Noreen, 85, who is recovering from a broken hip.
Defence counsel Saul Brody said Patrick Crerand Jr was «genuinely remorseful for his behaviour» and that the incident was «unpleasant» but «thankfully isolated.» He added: «He accepts that the risk of injury was foreseeable but it was wholly unintended.»
Judge Close sentenced Crerand Jr to nine months in prison, suspended for 12 months, to allow him to continue caring for his parents, whom he described as «acutely vulnerable.» The judge also imposed a 12-month restraining order, an eight-week curfew from 10pm to 6am, and 15 days of rehabilitation activity.
However, the judge criticized Crerand Jr's attitude, saying: «There is a degree in your presentence report of victim blaming which is not helpful. She is the one left with significant injury yet there was a degree to which you justify your actions. There is no justification for you to lay your hands on anyone.»
Football legacy overshadowed
Paddy Crerand remains a Manchester United icon, having won two English League titles, an FA Cup, and a European Cup during his playing career under manager Sir Matt Busby. He made 397 appearances for the club and earned 16 caps for Scotland.
Patrick Crerand Jr has six previous offences on his record, including a 1986 conviction for assault occasioning actual bodily harm that resulted in 28 days in jail.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
