Man hit wife with belt

AN IPSWICH husband who phoned 999 after he hit his wife with a belt because she had insulted his mother is today waiting to be sentenced.

Jalal Uddin, of Gorse Road, admitted before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court that he assaulted his wife and caused her actual bodily harm.

This was the first time the 31-year-old man and father-of-four, who works as a chef in Bungay, has appeared in court.

David Hutson, prosecuting, told the court at Friday's hearing the police became involved after Uddin called 999 and told the police he had assaulted his wife.

Mr Hutson said that the police officers who attended saw his wife on Thursday night had a swollen ankle, a bruise on her right leg, what looked a bruise on her right arm, a slight bruise on her inside left forearm and a bruise on her left upper arm.

He said: "She was clearly distressed and seemed very scared."

Mr Hutson said that although Uddin's wife would not make a statement to the police, Uddin admitted removing the belt from his trousers during an argument and hitting his wife with it several times.

Charles Riddleston, mitigating, said there was "instantaneous remorse and a feeling of regret".

He said: "He was aware before the interview that his wife had not made a statement, so an option would have been to deny everything, but he made a full admission in interview."

Mr Riddleston said the argument sparked off after a discussion about money.

He said: "His wife used bad language concerning his mother. It was along the lines of a sexually derogatory comment. He then lost it and hit his wife with a belt.

"He has no previous convictions, he is a hard working man and the husband and wife are together."

Eric McCoy, chairman of the bench, said: "We are going to ask the probation department to prepare reports with all options open, including custody."

The case was adjourned until December 17. Uddin was released on unconditional bail.