An asylum seeker was turfed out of his accommodation at a Perth hotel after a drunken clash with staff and police.
Mohamed Eljemni flew into a rage at the Station Hotel on Leonard Street, just days after he was put there as part of a Home Office scheme to re-house refugees fleeing conflict and war.
The 36-year-old appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted causing the disturbance on October 28 last year.
He was warned by a sheriff he may not be allowed to stay in the country if he continues offending.
No smoking
Fiscal depute Rebecca Kynaston told the court: “The accused had arrived in Perth on October 24 last year.
“He was placed at the hotel as part of the Home Office’s asylum seeker relocation programme.”
She said: “At around 4pm on October 28, staff were on duty when they saw the accused in the lobby.
“He was under the influence of alcohol and was being very loud.
“He was smoking in the reception area, which was forbidden.
“The accused was informed he could not smoke within the premises.
“He then stood up and started shouting in an aggressive manner in his native language.”
Police were called to the hotel, the court heard.
“The accused was traced by officers,” said the fiscal depute.
“He wasn’t making much sense due to his level of intoxication.
“He was told by officers to get back to his room and sober up.
“He appeared to comply but a short time later he re-appeared at the hotel reception.”
Eljemni began shouting and swearing at staff.
“He approached the desk and was shouting at a staff member in an aggressive manner and pointing at her,” Ms Kynaston said.
“He refused to calm down and became agitated.”
Police were called for a second time.
“Whilst waiting for officers to arrive, the accused was seen punching a wall and smashing a bottle on the ground.
“He was later traced by police in his hotel room. He was clearly still under the influence of alcohol.
“He began shouting at officers in his native language.”
Ms Kynaston said: “The accused was arrested and transferred to police HQ in Dundee.
“He was informed he was no longer welcome at the Station Hotel.”
Sheriff’s warning
Solicitor Paul Ralph, defending, said his client’s asylum status was still be decided.
“He has since found accommodation in Glasgow,” he said.
Mr Ralph asked the court for “leniency” given Eljemni had already spent four days on remand.
Sheriff William Wood told Eljemni: “Clearly, there is no excuse for this type of behaviour.
“You had only been in this country for a short period of time when this happened.”
The sheriff said: “It’s important that you realise we have our own cultural norms and ways of behaving.
“You may find that your ability to remain in the UK could be affected if you attract a series of criminal convictions.
“This offence, on its own, may not do that.
“But it is important that you don’t appear to the authorities as someone who is undesirable.”
The sheriff added: “You have spent four days in custody and I hope that has been enough for you to learn your lesson.”
Eljemni was admonished and told by Sheriff Wood: “I do hope we don’t see you back in court for anything else.”
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