Business proprietor in Nigeria allegedly endured extreme racism, with monkey noises among the offensive actions, as reported in court proceedings
In the heart of Tallaght, Dublin, a legal dispute between Stanley Abayeneme, a Nigerian national who owns a car-valeting business, and his neighbour Vilmantas Zutkis, a motor mechanic, has taken an unexpected turn.
Abayeneme, who rents unit two at Greenhills Bungalows, has accused Zutkis of subjecting him and his staff to severe racial abuse. This includes shouts of "monkey," monkey grunts, placing bananas in front of their premises, and threats of deportation. Additionally, Abayeneme alleges that Zutkis's conduct is aggressive, obstructive, and includes threats to his employee and interference with his business.
Abayeneme sought a restraining order in the High Court against Zutkis and also against the landlord, John McLaughlin, who allegedly blocked his valeting unit by placing a large steel container in front of it.
However, the court has granted only an order for short service of proceedings; the interim injunction Abayeneme sought was refused by Judge Emily Egan after considering video footage of a confrontation showing Abayeneme acting violently towards Zutkis. As a result, Abayeneme is now facing prosecution for alleged criminal damage to Zutkis’s premises by breaking windows.
It is important to note that Abayeneme maintains he has been a victim of racism for years, including prior assaults. However, the court has highlighted that he has not appeared with "clean hands" in this matter.
Meanwhile, Mr McLoughlin allegedly has video evidence of Mr Abayeneme attacking Mr Zutkis with a stick and damaging property. Zutkis, on the other hand, threatened Abayeneme and his employee with deportation back to Nigeria.
Abayeneme has made seven complaints to the gardai but is now facing prosecution for allegedly breaking two window panes in Zutkis's unit. He is seeking a restraining order against Zutkis due to the alleged racism.
The matter is due back before the court on Friday, marking the next phase in this complex legal dispute.
[1] Counsel opened correspondence between Kevin Tunney Solicitors, for Mr Abayeneme, and Dillon Eustace, for Mr McLoughlin, regarding allegations of anti-social behavior. [2] The judge directed that notification of short service of the application for injunctions be made to Mr Zutkis and Mr McLaughlin. [3] The High Court heard allegations of racial abuse against Mr Abayeneme by Vilmantas Zutkis. [4] Mr Abayeneme claims Mr Zutkis's racist slurs were intended to provoke a reaction.
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