A man filmed forcefully slapping a young child across the face has avoided immediate prison after admitting child cruelty.

Zakaria Majeed, 41, from Stoke-on-Trent, received a 10-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, with a probation requirement, at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

Footage played in court showed Majeed striking the child in the face. Another recording showed him making contact with the child’s legs three times and grabbing their arm.

Prosecutor Emily Andrew told the court that significant force had been used.

During his police interview, Majeed claimed he had not intended to assault the child. He subsequently pleaded guilty to one charge of cruelty to a person under 16.

The prosecution offered no evidence on a second identical charge, and a not guilty verdict was entered.

Even his own barrister accepted that the offence had crossed the threshold for a prison sentence.

Judge Richard McConaghy told Majeed he had become angry and slapped the child in the face with force.

Addressing the other footage, the judge described the contact with the child’s legs as taps delivered with Majeed’s feet, explaining that they were not kicks in the typical sense.

Despite the admission and the footage, the judge suspended the prison term.

An adult lost his temper. A child was struck in the face. The assault was recorded — yet the sentence means Majeed will serve no immediate time behind bars.