WALTHAM FOREST: Wife-beating councillor escapes jail sentence (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WALTHAM FOREST: Wife-beating councillor escapes jail sentence

11:08am Thursday 10th April 2008 in News By Jonathan Moyes

A COUNCILLOR found guilty of beating his wife has today been ordered to do community service work and to pay costs.

Lib Dem Imran Abrahim was found guilty of common assault at a hearing last month.

Magistrates heard how Cllr Abrahim punched and slapped his partner Binish Karamet during a row on November 18.

The maximum sentence for common assault is six months in jail.

Cllr Abrahim was today given an order meaning he will have to do 120 hours of work in the community.

He was also ordered to pay £200 to Ms Karamet and £300 legal costs.

But Cllr Abrahim will not automatically lose his council seat.

Council rules state that he would be barred only if his sentence is three or more months in jail.