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A security man who tried to diffuse a violent row inside a direct provision centre in Longford town allegedly received lacerations to his left arm, a court in the trial Youseff Azeddou (26) has heard.
Azeddou who faces two counts of assault causing harm, has also been charged with the possession of a knife.
The accused was before a sitting of Longford District Court yesterday, Thursday, in relation to a series of offences alleged to have taken place during a violent row at the centre in Richmond Court in the town on July 2, 2023. He was also with affray and production of a knife during the same incident.
He previously told gardaí after he was arrested and cautioned that he had been attacked by another man in the direct provision centre. “He attacked me, I was defending myself. There are cameras showing everything,” he said.
Addressing the court, Sgt Mark Mahon said that if the accused tendered a not guilty plea, the case would have to be heard in the Circuit Court which has wider sentencing powers, the Sunday World reported.
Having heard evidence, Judge Fiona Brennan ruled that the nature of the case to be too serious to be heard in the District Court.
Sgt Mahon said that gardaí had been called to attend the direct provision centre at Richmond Court in the town following an alleged incident, and had spoken to a number witnesses. CCTV footage was also examined.
The court was told that this allegedly showed a male security guard receiving lacerations to his left arm when he endeavoured to separate Azeddou and another man.
The other man, who is also before the courts, sustained “multiple lacerations” to his arm and body, the Garda Sergeant told the court.
Azzedou, who now lives in Ennis. was remanded on bail to a sitting of Longford District Court on June 11.
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