Man charged with assaulting two prison officers in Cork Prison

The incident is said to have happened after the inmate was told to clean up a mess in his cell

One officer was allegedly kicked in the chest with the second officer allegedly kicked in the groin. File picture

A prisoner who allegedly assaulted two prison officers causing them harm during an incident at Cork Prison last September was arrested and brought before Cork District Court on two assault charges.

Sergeant Lorna Healy arrested 26-year-old Mohammed Laceb and charged him with carrying out assaults on two prison officers.

Each count is brought under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act and states that the accused assaulted a prison officer causing him harm. Sgt Healy said the accused made no reply when charged and cautioned.

Judge Mary Dorgan was told that the accused did not have legal representation. The judge informed him that he could have a solicitor under the free legal aid scheme and he asked for solicitor Frank Buttimer to represent him.

Sgt Dorgan remanded the accused in custody for one week at Cork District Court.

The alleged facts of the case were outlined so that the judge could decide if she was accepting jurisdiction to deal with the case.

After hearing the outline, Judge Dorgan said she would not decide on the issue of jurisdiction until medical reports were presented to the court on March 14. Sgt Healy said the medical reports should be available to the court by that date.

Mr Buttimer said there was no application yet for bail for the accused and the case was adjourned.

Allegations

The allegations in the case were that the accused was in a prison cell when two officers approached the door and noticed a mess in the cell. When he was spoken to and told to clean up the mess it is alleged that the prisoner spat at one officer in the face and kicked him in the chest.

It is alleged that he kicked the second officer in the groin and received lacerations to his right knee.

Judge Dorgan was told that both officers needed medical attention following the alleged incident on September 8, 2023.