A THUG who launched a sickening attack on his elderly parents has dodged prison.

James Rooney, 43, admitted grabbing his 72-year-old dad, also James, by the throat, restricting his breathing and forcing his head into a sofa at their home in Aranthrue Crescent, Renfrew.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard the victim thought his son was going to kill him during the incident on the night of February 4 this year.

Rooney also admitted throwing a plate of hot food at his 67-year-old mum Anne on the same date.

He appeared in the dock before Sheriff Sukhwinder Gill, who described him as a “disgusting, violent individual.”

Procurator fiscal depute Ruth Cockburn told the court violence erupted as Rooney and his dad were cooking dinner.

She said: “The accused immediately became aggressive towards his father, shouting ‘do you think I’m f**king stupid…I hope you f*****g die…I cannot wait until you die of f*****g cancer…I am going to f*****g kill you.’

“Mr Rooney took a step back out of fear that he was going to be assaulted.

“The accused grabbed his father by the throat and squeezed his windpipe, causing him to struggle to breathe.”

The court heard how, as Mr Rooney managed to break free, his son went into the living room, where his mum was sitting, and threw a plate towards her, causing it to smash and spilling hot food over her head, face and body.

Ms Cockburn added: “Mr Rooney came into the living room – the accused then struck him to the left side of his face, causing his face to swell, leaving a bruise to his cheekbone.

“The accused grabbed his father by the back of his neck and pushed him into the sofa. He was overpowered by his son and was unable to breathe and feared that the accused may kill him.

“Mrs Rooney intervened and hit the accused over the head. He then let go of his father, continuing to shout and swear. He picked up a chip pan, which contained oil, and threatened to throw it over both witnesses."

Defending Rooney, Tony Callahan said the accused had an “acrimonious relationship” with his dad but was aware his behaviour was “wholly unacceptable.”

Mr Callahan added: “He understands that he has an issue with anger management.”

Sheriff Gill ordered Rooney to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work in the community.