A BUILDER has been spared an immediate prison sentence for hitting a man on the head with a hammer.

Father-of-four Khurram Shazad struck tyre fitter, Mohammed Afzal, a single blow with the weapon in a dispute between the families, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Shazad, 36, of Fairbank Road, Girlington, Bradford, pleaded guilty to causing Mr Afzal actual bodily on June 28 last year.

Prosecutor Roger Brown said that Shazad went to his home and attacked him in the kitchen. Mr Afzal spent four days in hospital after suffering a bad cut to his head.

At first, it was suspected that his skull was fractured and he still had headaches and dizzy spells, Mr Brown said.

Shazad’s barrister, Jayne Beckett, said he worked as a builder and vehicle repairer.

He was a good father who was highly thought of in the community and known for his charity work.

Shazad was very remorseful and wanted to draw a line under the incident.

He was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay £1,500 compensation.

A five year restraining order bans him from contacting Mr Afzal’ or his wife.

Recorder Philip Kramer told Shazad: “It was a one-off event, although misguided on your part. It was very fortunate that you did not cause more serious injury to your victim.”