A NURSE was beaten up for working by her brother after he declared himself head of the family, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Foysal Miah, 38, who had tried to dash victim Shanaz Begum's hopes of becoming a midwife, attacked her after she returned to the family home in Rawtenstall from night shifts at Burnley General Hospital.

Miah demanded to know who had given her permission to work nights, called her a prostitute, hit her, kicked her, ripped her hair and grabbed her by the throat and squeezed hard. Miss Begum's mother threw herself across her screaming daughter to protect her while her brothers stood back saying she deserved it, the bench heard.

The defendant, whose solicitor told the bench he did not think he had done anything wrong, was convicted of assault by beating in January last year after a trial. Miah, now living in Wales, was given a 12-month community order with supervision and 200 hours community service. He must pay £560 costs and £200 compensation.

Andrew Creswell, prosecuting, told the court Miss Begum's father had died and Miah had assumed the role of father figure at home.

She wanted to be a midwife, Miah didn't like it and pressure was put on her to give up her studies. Miss Begum decided to have a year out and took up auxiliary nursing at Burnley hospital.

The victim knew there would be repercussions if her brother found out she was working nights. He phoned her demanding she return home, she didn't and a senior nurse alerted hospital security staff in case he turned up.

Mr Creswell said when Miss Begum got home, Miah was waiting, demanding to know who had given her permission to work nights.

He then hit her, kicked her, and threw her across the living room causing her to fall over and bang her head.

Miss Begum was left screaming and crying and the defendant told her to shut up and said he still needed to sort her out. She was taken to hospital and told medics she had been punched and kicked all over her body.

Richard Hallows, defending, said Miah continued to deny the offence. He was ashamed of being in court and the defendant no longer had contact with his sister.

The solicitor went on: "He doesn't believe he has done anything wrong. His sister is out of the family as far as he is concerned." Mr Hallows added the defendant "may well" appeal the conviction.