In 1031, John named his son Sergius III[4] co-regent and successor and he received the title of patrikios from the Byzantine emperor, as his father had in 1010.
Thus, Pandulf used his niece and his sister to seize power in Amalfi and draw his Norman supporters away from Sergius of Naples.
[5] In 1038, the Holy Roman Emperor Conrad II deposed Pandulf and John was able to return to Amalfi.
He blinded his brother Manso and exiled him to the island of Sirenuse, while reconciling with his mother, whom he allowed to co-reign.
Guaimar was assassinated in June at the Amalfitans' instigation and John could return to his duchy in October.