A FATHER-of-four said he attacked a man in a parked car at the rear of his house because he thought he was dealing drugs.

But Blackburn magistrates heard the man was simply waiting for a friend whom he had dropped off at his home.

Sajed Chaudry, 35, of Rhyl Avenue, Blackburn, was convicted, in his absence, of ass-aulting Salim Natha, causing him actual bodily harm.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, made subject to community supervision for 12 months, and ordered to pay £500 compensation.

Peter Wilde, prosecuting, said Mr Natha had given his friend a lift to his house in Tenby Close and was waiting for him when Chaudry came out of his house and threatened to ring the police.

“Mr Natha said he would move the car, but was told to get out,” said Mr Wilde.

“The defendant then punched him two or three times in the face. He got back in his car and was punched again through the open window.”

Mr Wilde said the victim suffered a broken nose as a result of the assault.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said his client had a medical condition and did not know how long he had to live.