Oxford - Men on trial after alleged fight at asylum seeker hotel

Holiday Inn Express <i>(Image: Google Maps.)</i>
Holiday Inn Express (Image: Google Maps.)
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Two men are on trial after an alleged fight at the Oxford asylum seeker hotel.

Muhammad Alrfeai and Mohaned Ahmed are on trial at Oxford Crown Court.

Both men, who were living at the Holiday Inn Express, in Grenoble Road, have denied one count of affray.

The alleged offence took place on January 5 last year.

The incident also involved another man called Dirar Sideah. He isn't on trial and Judge Hassan Khan urged the jury not to speculate why.

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On June 29, prosecution barrister David Earl opened the case for the jury.

He said: "This is a case about a fight at the Holiday Inn Express in Grenoble Road.

"They were staying at the hotel at the time."

The jury was shown CCTV footage of the three men outside the hotel. Punches could be seen being thrown, with one of the men ending up on the ground.

Security staff approached them and they moved inside the hotel. The incident continued in the lobby and the men were separated.

Mr Earl told the jury that security officers saw the incident and intervened.

In police interview, Alrfeai gave no comment.

Ahmed admitted fighting but added that he didn't fear for his safety.

Mr Earl said: "The prosecution brings the case and has to prove it. The defendants have to prove nothing.

"The prosecution must make you sure of the defendants' guilt."

The jury then heard from a security officer who said he saw the men 'punching and shouting at each other'.

He added they were 'very aggressive'.

The trial continues.

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