Dubai A tailor has been accused of punching his co-worker and fracturing his jaw when the latter advised him to stop harassing their female colleagues.

The 31-year-old Egyptian tailor, Y.M., was said to have knocked his countryman, who was drinking tea outside the garment store where they both worked, unconscious with one punch in Al Qusais in January.

Prosecutors accused Y.M. of assaulting the co-worker and causing him a permanent disability.

The defendant failed to show up before the Dubai Court of First Instance where he was scheduled to enter his plea on Thursday.

According to the charge sheet, prosecutors said the 31-year-old caused a 10 per cent permanent disability to his countryman in his jaw.

Medical reports said the victim underwent an operation to fix his fractured jaw and had a metal medical chip implanted to correct the disability so he could chew and eat.

The co-worker claimed to prosecutors that the incident happened after he warned and advised Y.M. not to harass or stalk their two female colleagues at the store. “On a Friday evening I was drinking tea at the store’s entrance, when the suspect walked towards me. He asked me to walk with him aside because he wanted to tell me something. But I refused. Suddenly he punched me in the face … I fell down to the ground unconscious. I don’t know for how long I remained unconsciousness. When I regained my consciousness, I spotted the suspect throwing away the tea … then I heard a crowd of people shouting and trying to stop the fight. The defendant walked away. Meanwhile, I did not feel well and so I called my father. When my dad came, I went with him by car to the nearest pharmacy where they gave me a medication. The next day when I woke up, I realised that my jaw and cheek were swollen. I went to the hospital, where I had an x-ray. The doctor notified me that my jaw was fractured and I needed an immediate surgery. I underwent an operation then I reported the matter to the police once I was discharged,” the co-worker testified.

A Syrian seller claimed to prosecutors that he saw the co-worker when he went outside his shop to smoke.

“I saluted him and walked around 10 meters and when I turned back, I saw him down on the floor. The suspect stood in front of him … it was obvious the defendant had assaulted him. Neighbours and I intervened to stop the fight and prevent it from escalating,” he claimed.

Presiding judge Ezra Mansour adjourned the case until the suspect is legally notified about the upcoming hearing on October 26.