QPR Star Ilias Chair Faces Jail Time for Alleged Assault on Lorry Driver
Prosecutors are seeking a two-year jail sentence for QPR midfielder Ilias Chair, who stands accused of assaulting a lorry driver by smashing his skull with a rock. The incident occurred in Bazeilles, northern France, when the driver, Niels T, and his family were waiting for a coach after a kayaking trip in the summer of 2020.
Chair, a Moroccan international, denies the assault charge and claims that Niels T is attempting to extort money from him. According to prosecutors in Antwerp, Chair and two friends engaged in an argument with the trucker before Chair allegedly attacked him with a stone, rendering him unconscious.
Life-Threatening Injuries and Ongoing Consequences
The consequences of the alleged assault were severe for Niels T, who suffered a two-centimeter skull fracture and was rushed to a hospital in Reims in critical condition. He spent a significant amount of time recovering in a Belgian hospital and was unable to work as a lorry driver for an extended period. The blow was nearly fatal, and Niels T continues to experience the after-effects of the attack.
The prosecutor has requested a two-year prison sentence and a fine of £1,400 for Chair. Additionally, lesser sentences are being sought for Chair’s friends, Nora H. and Jaber C.
Chair’s defense lawyer, Alen Cilic, argued that there is insufficient evidence to prove that his client caused the trucker’s injuries. Cilic contends that Niels T and his family initiated the brawl and are attempting to exploit Chair’s fame for financial gain.
Niels T’s lawyer responded by dismissing these claims as nonsense and demanding damages of 16,000 euros. He emphasized the severity of the injuries, stating that his client’s life was in jeopardy and that he still suffers from the physical and emotional consequences of being struck with a rock.
The case is ongoing, and Chair’s future with QPR remains uncertain. As one of the team’s key players, his absence could have a significant impact on their fight to avoid relegation from the Championship.