Man punches partner in face and justifies attack saying it's part of Asian culture

A man punched his partner in the face and justified his action saying it's part of "Asian culture," a court heard.

Chaudry Mahmood, 51, punched his former sister-in-law turned girlfriend following an argument at a funfair in Brighouse, West Yorkshire.

The two entered into a relationship around five months ago and since then tensions within the family have been running high.

The attack was photographed by a witnessed who called the police.

Prosecutor Natalie Chapman said the passerby witnessed the attack after seeing the victim sitting on the bench.

"A male was stood up close by and with his right hand he punched her to the side of her face, causing her to move," Chapman said, reported Mail Online. "Immediately the witness pulled over, took photos of the defendant and called 999.

"He heard a heated exchange but not what was being said. She looked annoyed and walked towards a car, getting into the driver's seat. The defendant then walked over and sat in the passenger seat."

Chapman added: "He said it was Asian culture, an open hand to the back to the head to shut them up.

"When asked if he'd do anything differently he said 'no'."

The court heard that the victim refused to give a statement to police.

Mohammed Arif, mitigating, said a disagreement between the couple broke out and the victim was the first to hit Mahmood.

He told magistrates: "He's then retaliated and accepts he's gone beyond any kind of self-defence. He regrets his actions, it was a momentary incident."

Mahmood pleaded guilty to assault by beating. The Kirklees Magistrates' Court fined him £80 and ordered him to pay £85 prosecution costs plus £30 victim surcharge.