Wednesday 27 January 2010

Wedding On Despite Punjabi-Night Attack


The wedding is still on for an angry boyfriend who chased his fiancĂ© along the street when she fled a night out at a top City restaurant – slapping her violently across the face in front of shocked passers-by.

Restaurant manager Rakesh Kumar Sharma, 25, was forgiven by his bride-to-be, but it is unlikely U.S. visa officials will be as understanding, throwing their planned New York honeymoon into doubt.

First-time-offender Sharma, of Lambourne Road, pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates’ Court to assaulting Sulata Paul in Cheapside on September 12, last year.

Prosecutor Mrs. Varinder Hayre told the court it was midnight when Miss Paul fled ‘Tiffinbites’, Russia Row, (pictured) with Sharma in pursuit.

“Witnesses saw the defendant chasing his girlfriend of the past eighteen months, grab her by the arm, turn her around and slap her hard in the face.

“He started to tell the people gathering around to mind their own business and became aggressive.”

Passers-by raised the alarm and police arrested Sharma.

“Miss Paul was distressed and crying and told police she did not want to make any allegations against her partner,” added Mrs. Hayre.

“Sharma told police he had gone to ‘Tiffinbites’ for Punjabi night with his future wife and she said she wanted to go home because she was not comfortable and he said he became angered.”

The July wedding date is still on confirmed Sharma’s lawyer Mr. Tony Meisels. “They have loved each other for a long time.

“The honeymoon is due to take place in New York and there may be implications for that following this conviction.”

Sharma was fined £200 with £90 costs.

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