Convict jailed for attacking love rival in 'crime of passion' banned from running takeaway

A man who claims he is trying to 'better himself' after he was jailed for assault has been told he cannot run a takeaway in Gorton because of his past crimes.

Omar Masood, who applied to transfer the premises licence for Bhatti Jee in Hyde Road to his name, has had his request to Manchester council refused.

A public council meeting heard he was jailed for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon – but Masood said he left prison 'really different'.

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Masood, who received a five-year sentence in 2018, said he made a 'massive mistake' when he assaulted a man who he says his ex-partner had been cheating on him with – but he claimed he was trying to 'protect' his children.

He now runs a 'caring cafe' in Bardsley which runs programmes for the community and holds events for associated projects at a hall in Denton.

However, Greater Manchester Police objected to his application to take over the licence for a takeaway due to his previous convictions which are still 'live'.

Speaking at a licensing hearing on Monday (February 14), Masood told councillors that he is not a violent criminal and claimed the conflict at his marital home was a 'crime of passion' aimed at 'protecting' his children.

He said: "People make mistakes and come out and try to better themselves. I too am in the process of doing so. Within that I'm trying to help as many other people as possible. Mental health, employment, whatever.

"I'm not saying I'm your local Robin Hood but as somebody who's been on the other side, I'm in a position to help other people. That's all I'm trying to do.

"I'm securing something for the benefit of my