Violence on Construction Site in Monaco Leads to Court Proceedings
A workplace incident escalates, resulting in significant injuries and legal consequences for one worker.
A 65-year-old mason from Cape Verde appeared before the Monaco Tribunal on charges of violence against a colleague, which resulted in a temporary work incapacity of 25 days.
The incident occurred on April 19, 2024, at the construction site for the Salines parking facility in Monaco.
According to surveillance footage reviewed by law enforcement, the two men appeared to be joking as they played with a mop.
However, the situation escalated when one attempted to take a broom from the other.
The accused then pushed his colleague forcefully, causing him to fall heavily to the ground.
The fall resulted in severe injuries, specifically a serious arm fracture.
Initially, the victim claimed to have fallen on his own, but a witness later confirmed that he had indeed been pushed.
Analysis of the surveillance footage by police established the accused's responsibility for the incident.
The tribunal noted that the multiple fractures were directly caused by the accused's 'forceful gesture.' Following the incident, the victim underwent surgery due to several open fractures and spent five days in the hospital.
He has remained in recovery and was unable to attend the hearing.
A review of the accused's criminal record revealed prior convictions for violence in 2014 and 2019 in Nice, although there were no previous offenses recorded in Monaco.
The civil party's attorney characterized the occurrence as 'a game that went wrong,' stressing the serious repercussions for the victim.
The attorney requested a conviction, highlighting that 'the victim was rushed to the hospital and continues to undergo treatment.'
The prosecutor emphasized that while the incident began as a harmless game between colleagues, the action taken by the accused constituted real violence.
He argued that the focus should not be on the initial intent, but rather on the act itself, which resulted in a significant injury.
The prosecutor also pointed out the accused's prior convictions for violence, arguing that a sanction was necessary, and requested a sentence of 15 days' imprisonment, suspended.
In defense, the accused's lawyer argued that the incident stemmed from a game and that his client did not intend to harm his colleague.
The lawyer maintained that the situation simply escalated without any deliberate intention to cause harm.
He remarked that his client does not have a violent temperament and urged the tribunal to consider the context before imposing a harsh sentence.
When given the opportunity to speak, the accused expressed his regret, stating, 'I regret a lot.
It is unfortunate.'
After deliberation, the tribunal found the accused guilty and sentenced him to 15 days in prison, suspended.
The victim, having become a civil party in the case, was awarded an expert assessment and a compensation of €1,500.
The incident occurred on April 19, 2024, at the construction site for the Salines parking facility in Monaco.
According to surveillance footage reviewed by law enforcement, the two men appeared to be joking as they played with a mop.
However, the situation escalated when one attempted to take a broom from the other.
The accused then pushed his colleague forcefully, causing him to fall heavily to the ground.
The fall resulted in severe injuries, specifically a serious arm fracture.
Initially, the victim claimed to have fallen on his own, but a witness later confirmed that he had indeed been pushed.
Analysis of the surveillance footage by police established the accused's responsibility for the incident.
The tribunal noted that the multiple fractures were directly caused by the accused's 'forceful gesture.' Following the incident, the victim underwent surgery due to several open fractures and spent five days in the hospital.
He has remained in recovery and was unable to attend the hearing.
A review of the accused's criminal record revealed prior convictions for violence in 2014 and 2019 in Nice, although there were no previous offenses recorded in Monaco.
The civil party's attorney characterized the occurrence as 'a game that went wrong,' stressing the serious repercussions for the victim.
The attorney requested a conviction, highlighting that 'the victim was rushed to the hospital and continues to undergo treatment.'
The prosecutor emphasized that while the incident began as a harmless game between colleagues, the action taken by the accused constituted real violence.
He argued that the focus should not be on the initial intent, but rather on the act itself, which resulted in a significant injury.
The prosecutor also pointed out the accused's prior convictions for violence, arguing that a sanction was necessary, and requested a sentence of 15 days' imprisonment, suspended.
In defense, the accused's lawyer argued that the incident stemmed from a game and that his client did not intend to harm his colleague.
The lawyer maintained that the situation simply escalated without any deliberate intention to cause harm.
He remarked that his client does not have a violent temperament and urged the tribunal to consider the context before imposing a harsh sentence.
When given the opportunity to speak, the accused expressed his regret, stating, 'I regret a lot.
It is unfortunate.'
After deliberation, the tribunal found the accused guilty and sentenced him to 15 days in prison, suspended.
The victim, having become a civil party in the case, was awarded an expert assessment and a compensation of €1,500.
