Omar Sharif fined over assault allegation

Los Angeles: A parking lot attendant who claimed he was punched by Egyptian-born actor Omar Sharif has won a knockout decision in court.

Superior Court Judge Joe W. Hilberman entered a default judgement on Tuesday for over $318,000 (Dh1.1 million) in damages in favour of Juan Luis Ochoa Anderson when Sharif failed to show up for a deposition, according to court documents.

Calls to Sharif's publicist and Anderson's lawyer after business hours on Wednesday were not immediately returned.

Sharif pleaded no contest in 2007 to misdemeanour battery and was ordered to take an anger management course for the incident outside a Beverly Hills steakhouse in 2005.

According to the lawsuit, the Egyptian-born actor known for roles in Dr. Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia was belligerent and intoxicated and called Anderson, a Guatemalan immigrant, a "stupid Mexican" when he refused to accept a 20 euro note. Anderson alleged Sharif then punched him.

Anderson was awarded total damages of $318,1900 plus costs and attorneys' fees.

In August 2003, Sharif was convicted of striking a police officer at a casino near Paris.