Bell Hotel asylum seeker who beat up staff during 'breakdown' jailed for 16 weeks

A resident of the Bell Hotel in Epping has been jailed for 16 weeks after attacking two staff members and two other asylum seekers. Mohammed Sharwarq, 32, attacked a cleaner, a chef and two hotel residents at the controversial accomodation in Epping, Essex, on August 12.

Chelmsford Magistrates' Court was told he was suffering a "breakdown" at the time and wanted to go back to Syria and has signed paperwork to return. Sharwarq pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault and four of assault by beating. A charge of sexual assault charge was dropped by the prosecutors. Terence Newman, prosecuting, said: "All of these offences were committed at the Bell Hotel in Epping where the defendant was a resident at the time."

There were four male victims, Mr Newman said, two of whom were living at the Bell Hotel - where Sharwarq was a resident at the time of the offences between July 25 and August 12 this year.

On August 12, he punched one fellow resident, resulting in a "small cut to his jawline", the prosecutor said. He addded: "[Sharwarq] continues to be aggressive, he's causing issues for several residents and staff members at the hotel."

Sharwarq punched a cleaner in the arm, causing no injury, and threw a banana at the back of his head.

He slapped another resident on the back, approached a hotel chef, and "grabs him and tries to slap him to the face". Mr Newman added: "The defendant then picks up a chair. He's then restrained and police attend."

District judge Lynette Woodrow described the incidents as a "series of escalating assaults against the same person" and "a number of assaults on different people".

She ordered Sharwarq to pay £300 in compensation to the man he assaulted on multiple occasions, £200 each to the two staff, but no compensation for the fourth victim. He must also pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £154 victim surcharge.