A 21-year-old man who was involved in the assault of a female officer leaving her ‘scared to be alone’ has been handed a four month suspended sentence. Kuba Azad assaulted the officer on May 28 after she tried to stop him fleeing a Salford home that police were called to following reports of ‘serious domestic abuse’ involving Mr Azad and his partner.
The female officer was securing the back of the home as police were forcing entry into the front. Mr Azad and others were inside for 40 minutes before attempting to escape. Manchester Crown Court heard how Mr Azad was well aware that police ‘were there to arrest him’ and he was confronted by the officer who grabbed his hand in an attempt to stop him from fleeing.
Mr Azad’s brother soon arrived, and the court heard how he grabbed the back of her neck before both he and Mr Azad pushed her to the floor and continued their escape. Despite being ‘dazed’ the officer continued to chase Mr Azad and his brother but only managed to apprehend the brother while Mr Azad escaped by vehicle.
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The court heard how Mr Azad’s brother was arrested and brought in for questioning, but refused to comment and no further action was taken. The incident left the police officer in ‘discomfort and pain’ with several injuries including a lump in the back of her head, concussion and cuts and bruises to her arm.
The court also heard how the incident had ‘affected her confidence and her employment’ at a job she was ‘relatively’ new to. Prosecuting, Patrick Williamson told the court how the assault had left the officer 'shaken' and she was ‘scared be left alone’.
Defending, Mr Osman Munir told the court how Mr Azad was supported by his family who were in attendance and was ‘gainfully employed’ by his father’s business where he worked for seven days a week. The court also heard how Mr Azad pleaded guilty ‘on the basis that it was reckless’ and claimed that he did not intend to assault her.
Kuba, of Edgeware Road, Manchester, was handed 4 months imprisonment which was suspended for 12months, and was ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirements and 100 hours of unpaid work.
During the closing of the case, the judge, recorder Sarah Johnston told Mr Azad that the public were ‘entitled to see defendant who assaulted a police officer face serious consequences'. The judge made mention to his age as a reason for the ‘immaturity’ in his actions and told the court: “He needs to understand the importance of the need for him to learn, grow up and take responsibility for his actions.”
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