An argument on the Jeremy Kyle Show led to a Milford Haven man assaulting his mother.

Thomas John Picton, of Cherry Tree Close, Mount Estate, pleaded guilty to assaulting Tracey Smiddy when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Wednesday.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, told the court that Picton had stayed up all night and had a beer before collecting a prescription and going to his mother’s house on January 11.

Jeremy Kyle’s confrontational tabloid talk show was on television in Ms Smiddy’s living room, featuring an argument between a mother and son.

Picton, 33, began shouting at the programme, yelling: “Go on, hit her, I would.”

Mr Prichard-Jones said: “He then related what was on TV to what was in the living room, and started shouting at his mother.”

Picton swore at Ms Smiddy, calling her names and made three punching motions with a clenched fist, but did not make contact with her.

He then put his head against hers and pushed, but no injury was caused.

Picton left his mother’s house and admitted he had assaulted her when police arrested him.

Mark Layton, defending, told the bench that Picton had loaned his mother money and she had asked for more before repaying it, which had sparked a disagreement.

“He says he effectively rubbed his head against hers. It was not a head-butt.

“When arrested, he fully accepted responsibility for his actions.”

Mr Layton added that Picton and his mother hoped to resume their relationship after the court proceedings.

“Mr Picton gives his assurance that this will not happen again.”

Magistrates sentenced Picton to a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £105 in court costs and charges.