Row over use of toilet facilities saw one man punch another, breaking three of his teeth

A row over the use of toilet facilities at the Kinsale Road accommodation centre saw one man punching another breaking three of his teeth, which were “repaired by a friend for €40”, and it was claimed that the assailant is now both the victim’s friend and his barber.

27-year-old Mohammed El Farissi, 27, assaulted Yakoob Yehrabi on December 2, 2021 at block 4 of the accommodation centre.

Sergeant John Kelleher said at Cork District Court that the 28-year-old injured party told gardaí that he confronted the defendant about using his toilet facilities and an argument ensued and the defendant struck the injured party damaging three of his teeth.

The defendant was later interviewed and said he hit the injured party but that it was in self-defence.

“The injured party got his teeth fixed for €40 by a friend in Dublin,” Sgt Kelleher said.

Solicitor, Killian McCarthy represented Mr El Farissi on free legal aid and said the defendant was in Ireland as a refugee from Morocco since 2021.

Mr McCarthy said on behalf of the defendant that he is the injured party’s barber now and that the defendant and the injured party are “quite good friends” since this occurred in December 2021.

Mr El Farissi pleaded guilty to the assault charge.

Judge Olann Kelleher adjourned the case until November 8 to allow time for preparation of a probation report.