A JUDGE has praised the dig-nity of a mother stabbed by her mentally-ill son.

Judge David Aubrey QC applauded Barbara Crowder for the strength of character she had shown after being attacked by her son Stuart.

Police said Mrs Crowder, 65, was “very lucky to have survived” after being wounded by her 39-year-old son.

The pensioner was treated at Southport and Formby District General Hospital after being stabbed at her home on Marshside Road, Churchtown on March 10.

Yesterday Crowder denied wounding with intent at Liverpool Crown Court, but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of unlawful wounding.

Robert Jansen, prosecuting, said that plea was accepted by his parents, who wanted their son to get help.

Judge Aubrey told Mrs Crowder and her husband Derek: “Your dignity and care shines out like a beacon in very difficult circumstances.”

Crowder is currently remanded to the Scott Clinic in Rainhill while psychiatric reports are carried out.

He is now due to be sentenced on July 24, but Judge Aubrey said he anticipated he would place Crowder on a hospital order.

Judge Aubrey added that he would also need to consider a restriction order.

He said: “This is a very distressing case and one’s heart goes out to the defendant’s parents, who are here in court in reality in two roles.

“One as prosecution witnesses and another role as caring and loving parents of their undoubtedly ill son.”