NASHUA - A 25-year-old man accused of beating his mother and younger sibling is free on bail this week.

Corey Wharton of Nashua is facing numerous assault charges in connection with the incident, which occurred the afternoon of Jan. 20 at the Whartons' downtown residence.

According to police, Wharton allegedly punched his mother, Lisa Wharton, and his 10-year-old brother in the face during the attack, court documents on file at the 9th Circuit District Division said. He allegedly hit them both with a closed fist, said police.

Wharton is also accused of taking the phone away from one of the victims as that victim attempted to contact authorities, police said.

Nashua police were contacted about the assaults from hospital personnel who treated the mother and brother. Both of them sustained minor injuries and bruises as a result of the incident, and were released from the hospital following treatment, according to police.

Wharton was arrested a short time later and charged with felony second-degree assault, domestic violence simple assault, simple assault and obstructing the report of a crime. He was originally scheduled to be arraigned last week but was able to post $5,000 cash or surety bail.

Wharton will now be in court on Feb. 5 for his arraignment, according to court documents. A restraining order has been filed prohibiting Wharton from having any contact with his mother or younger sibling.

Police have not yet indicated what may have motivated the assaults other than to say an argument occurred.

The police affidavit detailing the crime has not yet been filed at court. Nashua police and detectives in the Youth Services Division are continuing to investigate. If convicted, Wharton could face up to seven years in prison for the felony assault charge, police said.

khoughton@newstote.com