Baby witnesses mum’s attack

Road rage pedestrian in court

A pedestrian punched a mother in front of her baby when he got involved in a right-of-way row.

Victim Louise Holt was driving in Oxford Street, Oldham on April 29 when she was in dispute with another motorist.

Mohammed Luqmaan (19), of Norfolk Street, Oldham saw the dispute and kicked the victim’s car, shouting “get out of the way”. He then pulled her hair and punched her.

Watching the incident from her car was her seven-month-old baby and 10-year-old cousin.

At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, Luqmaan pleaded guilty to common assault after denying the original charge of racially aggravated assault, which had been rejected at Oldham magistrates court.

He was given a four-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months. There will be a supervision requirement for 18 months and he must attend an anger management programme, pay £600 compensation and £250 costs.

Prosecutor Kim Irving said: “On the 29th April, Louise Holt approached the road that was too narrow for two cars and was involved in a discussion with another driver. Both claimed right of way.

“The defendant witnessed what happened and punched her.

“In interview, he admitted that he kicked her car and that he assaulted her. He said that she had shouting abuse at him and that was why he attacked her.”

Defence counsel Steven Wild said: “This was a deeply upsetting incident to the complainant and an incident that he shouldn’t have got involved in.”

Passing sentence, Judge Andrew Lowcock told Luqmaan: “You behaved in a quite appalling fashion.

“You got into an argument which was nothing to do with you and punched her (Ms Holt) in the face.

“It is hard to understand why you did this. In my view this nasty offence does carry a custodial sentence but this will be suspended.

“If you had pleaded not guilty, you would have been sent to prison.”