A Cardiff University library security guard attacked a coworker with an extension lead, causing an eye injury after a dispute.
Mahdi El Tahir, 40, was an employee at Cardiff University’s library. The victim, Steven Mahoney, had been a colleague for five years. The incident occurred on November 1, 2023, during a night shift. Mahoney had threatened to report Tahir for sleeping.
Tahir responded by stating Mahoney was “not his boss.” He proceeded to hit Mahoney’s leg with his own leg. Mahoney testified that Tahir was aware of his leg problems, as he had recently undergone surgery.
Prosecutor Emily Jermin presented the case in court. She detailed that Tahir called Mahoney “racist” and shoved him, which led to Mahoney pushing a chair. Subsequently, Tahir grabbed an extension lead, chased Mahoney, and swung it at him. He then punched Mahoney and jabbed at him with the lead.
Tahir further kicked at Mahoney with his left leg and blocked him from leaving the scene. He swiped at Mahoney’s hand with the lead as Mahoney attempted to reach for a radio to call for help. After Tahir put the lead back, he continued the abuse until another colleague intervened and stopped the fight.
Mahoney reported experiencing eye problems resulting from the assault and said Tahir had kicked his bad leg. He stated that he has lost confidence in his coworkers and worries about the racism accusation in the workplace. He also shared that he primarily stays home, leaving only for work and groceries.
Tahir admitted to assault, specifically a section 20 offense. The court learned that he had no prior criminal record but could no longer work in security, and was unlikely to regain his license. The court also heard that he supports his wife and four children.
Judge Neil Owen-Casey issued Tahir a suspended sentence. This included five months in jail, suspended for a year, alongside ten days of rehab. Tahir was also ordered to complete 50 hours of unpaid work. He was further mandated to pay £150 in costs and £200 to the victim.