Black & White cafe owner banned from entering Hopmarket Flowers after attacking staff

Gregg Kitson and Julie Bennett, owners of Hopmarket Flowers, were left bloodied after they were attacked in their shop by neighbouring business owner Rebaz Tahir.

Tahir put the pair through a trial but was finally brought to justice on Monday (July 5) when he was sentenced at Worcester Magistrates Court.

COURT: Rebaz Tahir has been sentenced at Worcester Magistrates Court. Picture: Facebook

Melanie Winterflood, prosecuting, explained Mr Kitson and Ms Bennett had noticed staff from Black & White cafe, in The Foregate, were smoking near the flowers shop's open windows so a request was made for them to stop on October 2 last year.

The prosecutor said initially there had been no altercation but later that day Tahir had burst through the door shouting at the pair.

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“Mr Tahir assaulted Ms Bennett, punched her to the back of her head and left cheek – this causing bruising,” Miss Winterflood said.

“He then grabbed Mr Kitson, punched him a number of times to the face.”

Magistrates saw pictures of the injuries the pair suffered, including cuts to the cheek.

The prosecutor added Tahir had previous cautions for battery, but no previous convictions prior to conviction for two charges of assault by beating at the trial.

Rebaz Tahir still did not accept what happened, despite being found guilty at trial

Mr Saqib, defending the 44-year-old, said his client still did not accept what happened on the day.

“He accepts he had been convicted, he accepts the punishment he is going to get and will abide by any direction of the court," the solicitor said.

After a short deliberation, magistrates announced they were giving Tahir, of Helford Close, Worcester, a one year community order.

Harry Turner, chairman of the magistrates bench, said: “We believe these offences are so serious a community order would be the appropriate sentence.”

The order requires Tahir to complete 200 hours unpaid work – the chairman warning failure to complete the hours could see Tahir brought back to court, and resentenced with the possibility of being jailed.

COURT: The case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

Tahir was given a restraining order to not enter Hopmarket Flowers for the next year - the chairman saying if he did there would be "serious consequences".

And Tahir was also ordered to pay £150 compensation to both victims, costs of £775 and a victim surcharge of £95.

An offer to pay the full amount, £1,170, at a rate of £50 a month was rejected – the magistrates ordering he pay £100 a month.