Religious teacher hit his mother-in-law in the face

Hafiz Hussain, sentenced to ten months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Updated on 3:44pm Monday 23rd June 2014 in News

A religious teacher who hit his mother-in-law in the face in a row over which TV programme to watch has been warned by a judge to keep his hands to himself or go to jail.

Hafiz Hussain left 75-year-old Nasim Hussain with blood running from her nose and mouth when he struck her in a heated row at the family home in Thryberg Street, Barkerend, Bradford.

Hussain, 34, a teacher at a Mosque and a trained reciter of the Koran, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm on November 15 last year.

Prosecutor Nigel Hamilton told Bradford Crown Court yesterday there were tensions between Hussain and his mother-in-law and they were not on speaking terms.

He threatened to kill both his wife and Mrs Hussain before slapping the pensioner across the face when she changed the TV channel.

Mrs Hussain was left bleeding and with blurred vision. She was unable to speak after the attack.

Hussain fled upstairs at the house he, his wife and their two children had been sharing with Mrs Hussain.

He then packed his bag and went to Birmingham.

Mrs Hussain was treated at Bradford Royal Infirmary for swelling, bruising and cuts to her face.

When he was arrested, Hussain claimed it was self defence.

His barrister, Tom Rushbrooke, conceded he told his probation officer the assault allegation was fabricated and planned.

Hussain said his wife's family were abusive, hostile and disrespectful.

But he also spoke of shame at his actions.

Mr Rushbrooke said Hussain came to the UK to marry in 2002 and the family lived with his mother-in-law.

He left in 2005 but moved back into the Bradford house three years later.

There was tension over the years between Hussain, now of Southfield Avenue, Edgbaston, Birmingham, and his wife's mother.

"On that day, things blew up and he lost his temper and slapped her in the face," Mr Rushbrooke said.

Hussain had never been in trouble before and he hoped to be reconciled with Mrs Hussain over time.

Judge Jonathan Rose asked Hussain, through a court interpreter: "Does it say anywhere in the Koran that you are permitted to strike your mother-in-law?"

Hussain answered from the dock: "No."

The judge added: "Keep your hands to yourself. If I see you again, you will go to prison."

He sentenced Hussain to ten months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 180 hours of unpaid work and a medium level activity requirement. He must pay £100 compensation to Mrs Hussain.

A restraining order without limit of time bans him from contacting his mother-in-law or visiting her home.