AN uncouth Halesowen man who verbally assaulted and pushed a pregnant council officer has been prosecuted for obstruction.

Intaj Ali, Meadow Road, was found guilty at Dudley Magistrates Court of obstructing a Dudley Council officer who was investigating a planning approval issue, during a routine investigation at Ali’s home on March 19, 2013.

The court found Ali guilty of verbally assaulting the officer, who was three months pregnant at the time of the incident, and physically pushing her from the site.

Ali was fined £150 for the offence and ordered to pay costs of £695 and compensation, to be paid directly to the officer, of £300 – a total sum of £1,145.

Councillor Judy Foster, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “One of our roles as a local authority is to identify, investigate and consider alleged planning breaches and take any necessary action.

"This process protects local residents and businesses."

She added: “I hope that the court’s judgement gives out a clear message that we will never tolerate abuse towards council officers. Council staff should not have to accept offensive and aggressive behaviour, and we will do all that we can to protect them.”