Matheson is now banned from living with his mother

Neil Matheson, of Little Shelford, Cambs, twice covered Susan Matheson's face with a pillow after she refused to give him money for a bus trip.

Cambridge Crown Court heard on Friday that he had not intended to kill her but was trying to control her.

He was given an Asbo after admitting suffocation with intent to harm after a charge of attempted murder was dropped.

Judge Jonathan Haworth also banned him from living with his mother. Matheson faces up to five years in prison if he harasses or assaults her again.

Mrs Matheson said she was happy with the judge's decision

After the hearing Mrs Matheson gave her son a hug and said she was very happy with the outcome.

"He deserves a second chance. I love him and I want him here," she said.

Christopher Morgan, prosecuting, said when Mrs Matheson, who has trouble walking, refused to give her son money he picked up a pillow and pushed it down over her face twice.

She called police and when they arrived Matheson told them what he had done and that he needed help.

'Done in anger'

The court heard Matheson has Noonans Syndrome - a condition that can affect mental and physical development.

In passing sentence, Judge Haworth, said: "What you did that day I'm satisfied was done by you in anger and seeking to control your mother."

Matheson's background helped to explain how the incident came about and "to an extent temper the gravity of it", the judge added.

In addition to the Asbo, Judge Haworth sentenced Matheson to a three-year community rehabilitation order and 80 hours community work.