A man who punched his elderly aunt in the face after accusing her of performing black magic has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Nazam Hussain twice thumped the 71-year-old, causing her cuts and bruises and loosening her front teeth. She needed treatment by a facial surgeon.

Prosecutor Anthony Moore told Bradford Crown Court yesterday that Rabia Bibi was walking in Carlisle Road, Manningham, Bradford, at 1pm on June 24 last year when she was approached by Hussain.

Mr Moore said: “He started to abuse her, accused her of performing black magic and almost immediately struck her twice with a punch to the face.”

He said witnesses saw the incident and took the registration of his Toyota Corolla as he drove away. He was arrested and identified by the complainant.

James Bourne-Arton, mitigating, said Hussain understood his actions on that day were wrong and he now displayed remorse.

Hussain, 45, of Washington Street, Girlington, Bradford, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

He was sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months, ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work for the community and pay £250 compensation to the complainant.

Judge James Goss QC told Hussain he had committed a serious offence.

He said: “She was 71 years of age and clearly a vulnerable victim.”

The judge said it was a shameful act to commit against anyone, but all the more so because it was his aunt.

He said that, although the offence was so serious a fine or community sentence could not be justified, he said the defendant was remorseful and understood the seriousness of what he had done.