A MAN collecting his children for an agreed access visit was attacked by his estranged wife.

Blackburn magistrates watched CCTV footage of Umar Latif 'passively' acting in self-defence as Zara Shaheen repeatedly struck and pushed him.

The prolonged incident happened at the side of the car where the three children had just been put by their father.

And the court was told they were effectively a "captive" audience to everything that went on.

Shaheen, 32, of Emerald Avenue, Blackburn, was convicted after a trial of assaulting Mr Latif and pleaded guilty to sending offensive messages.

She was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 30 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours unpaid work. She was ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mr Latif and £150 costs. The magistrates imposed a restraining order for two years which prohibits any contact with her former husband.

Carl Gaffney, prosecuting, said Mr Latif was exercising his agreed right to access to the children. As he was placing them in the car he was attacked by his wife.

"There followed a prolonged assault," said Mr Gaffney. "He tried to defend himself by holding her at bay but he was essentially allowing himself to be hit."

Richard Prew, defending, said the injuries to Mr Latif were not particularly serious but he took on board that the incident happened in front of the children, broad daylight and in a public place.

He said his client, who had no previous convictions, would not be appealing the decision of the trial court.