Ice cream man guilty of assaulting rival in Blackburn

An ice cream seller caught on film in a fracas with a rival in Lancashire has been convicted of assault.

Zeheer Ramzan, 34, of Halifax, admitted possessing an offensive weapon - a crowbar - and causing criminal damage.

The video, seen in court, showed a row between Ramzan, who ran a Mr Yummy van, and Mohammed Mulla, who ran Mr Whippy, in Palatine Road, Blackburn, on 2 June.

Ramzan was remanded on bail to be sentenced at Blackburn Magistrates Court on 17 December.

Ramzan, who denied assault, was seen breaking a window in the van of Mr Mulla, who then drove into the back of Ramzan's van.

Zeheer Ramzan denied assault

The court was told that prior to the incident being filmed Ramzan had hit his rival ice cream seller on the arm with the crowbar causing a bruise.

He also lied to police and tried to blacken Mr Mulla's reputation, the court heard.

Tahir Mahmood, defending, claimed his client had been intimidated by Mr Mulla since he started selling ice creams in Blackburn in March.

Ramzan alleged Mr Mulla had tried to stop him selling ice creams on his patch.

The film of the incident has attracted more than a million views on the website YouTube.