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Walsall mayor's chauffeur is found guilty of assault

The mayor of Walsall's chauffeur has been found guilty of assault and intimidating a witness in a money dispute.

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The mayor of Walsall's chauffeur has been found guilty of assault and intimidating a witness in a money dispute.

In a police interview Jaswinder Jassal said he 'vaguely' remembered an argument after asking the victim for money to help towards his mortgage, as he could not cover it himself. He was denied and twice struck his victim's head.

Mr Geoffrey Meeson, prosecuting, then said that Jassal, aged 43, of Lime Grove, Rushall, dragged his victim by the arm, and pushed them to the floor and kicked them twice in the back.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was left with bruises to their arms, legs, hand and knee.

Birmingham Magistrates Court heard that when he was arrested by police, Jassal told them: "I'm hardly going to punch them, because I'm special in Walsall."

He was found guilty of assault after a trial yesterday.

His victim told the court: "I was really scared. I thought he could kill me and I was crying as well. I went to a friend's house and asked please help me; call the police."

Jassal also admitted sending intimidating text messages to a witness which he suspected would be passed on his victim, between February 2 and 10. Those messages said the victim should drop charges and apologise to police.

Mr John Harmshaw, defending, said victim the exaggerated their injuries.

District Judge Lesley Mottram said: "I reject your account in its entirety. I am satisfied beyond any doubt you assaulted the complainant."

The case was adjourned for reports and Jassal was given conditional bail until June 26 when he will be sentenced. Walsall Council said it was unable to comment.

By Alex Homer

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