Blackburn ice cream man on assault charge after 'road dispute'

10:24pm Tuesday 22nd April 2008

AN ICE cream man has been accused of assault after an alleged row with refuse collectors about a blocked road.

Qulzam Nain, 28, of Crompton Place, Blackburn, is also accused of dangerous driving after a man was allegedly carried on the front of his van for 30metres.

Nain allegedly punched female refuse collector Danielle Gillibrand, 26, also of Blackburn, while she carried out her daily rounds.

Police said the alleged assault took place in Saunders Road, in the Wensley Fold area of Blackburn, close to Nain's home.

He pleaded not guilty to both offences when he appeared at Blackburn Magistrate's Court.

According to police, Nain was driving a Ford Transit ice cream van at the time of the incident.

A spokesman said: "Police were contacted at 2.45pm on February 28 after reports of a refuse collector having been assaulted on Saunders Road, Blackburn.

"The refuse collector, a 26-year-old woman from Blackburn received minor facial injuries and a 28-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in connection with the incident."

Police claimed Nain drove his van at another refuse collector who was taking his registration number and carried him on the front of the van for about 30 metres.

According to police, the incident began when the refuse wagon was directed out in to Saunders Road by Ms Gillibrand, a Blackburn with Darwen Council worker.

Nain was remanded on bail for the preparation of committal papers awaiting committal to Preston Crown Court.

A spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen council declined to comment until after the trial.

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