Book of evidence to be prepared on man accused of assaulting prison officers in Cork

The accused man allegedly assaulted two prison officers causing them harm during an incident at Cork Prison last September. File picture: Dan Linehan

A book of evidence is to be prepared on a man accused of assault causing harm to two prison officers as the accused said by video link from prison that this was "not okay" for him and that he wanted to go home.

Judge Mary Dorgan refused jurisdiction to deal with the case at Cork District Court. It involves two counts of assault causing harm and now a book of evidence will have to be prepared.

Judge Dorgan remanded 26-year-old Mohammed Laceb in continuing custody until March 27, on the application of Sergeant Pat Lyons.

Mr Laceb spoke up on the video link from prison saying: “This is not okay for me this long time here. I will go back to my own country.” 

The accused man allegedly assaulted two prison officers causing them harm during an incident at Cork Prison last September. 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. He was represented in court by solicitor Michael Quinlan under the free legal aid.

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.