Police: Lynn man assaulted sister, mother for alcohol money

LYNN – A judge ordered $1,000 cash bail and a mental-health evaluation for a city man who allegedly beat his elderly mother and his sister because they refused to give him money for alcohol.”(The defendant) then placed (his sister) into a headlock and began striking her with a closed fist to her head area,” Lynn Police Officer Ashley Affonco wrote in a police report. “(The sister) stated to me that ?enough was enough’ and that she intended to press charges.”Harold P. Nickerson, 41, of 51 Johnson St., was arrested and charged with assault and battery, two counts; and assault and battery on a person 60 or older; at 3:32 p.m. Wednesday.He was arraigned on the charges Thursday in Lynn District Court where a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf.Police responded to the Johnson Street address where a 78-year-old woman told officers her son was out of control and had attacked her and his sister.”(The defendant’s mother) further stated the argument began when she refused to give Nickerson more money,” police reported. “Nickerson is severely dependent on alcohol and wanted the money so he could go drink.”The defendant’s sister told police she visits her mother daily to check on her because Nickerson has been physical with the mother in the past, according to police. The defendant’s sister said Nickerson pushed his mother and began berating her when she refused to give him money. The defendant’s sister said she stepped between the two and Nickerson put her in a headlock and began hitting her before she could wiggle away.Police reported the defendant had redness on her neck and scratches on her arms and left cheek.Nickerson allegedly admitted to the assault, saying, “well, they had my money and wouldn’t give it to me,” police reported.A prosecutor requested Nickerson be held on $2,500 cash bail, remain drug and alcohol free with random tests and not abuse the alleged victims, according to court documents.Court-appointed defense attorney Todd Murphy said his client had a drinking problem, but the alleged victims were not afraid of the defendant, according to court documents.Judge Cathleen Campbell ordered Nickerson held on $1,000 cash bail and ordered a mental-health evaluation.Nickerson is scheduled to return to court May 22.