by Andrew Carey

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A MAN who described himself as a model and a ‘golden boy’ in his native Afghanistan was accused of exaggerating the extent of the injuries he sustained in a car crash during a personal injuries claim at the High Court in Limerick last week.

Former Afghan international volleyball player Mishtaba Abdul Whab (34) came to Ireland as a refugee in 2005 and was granted residency status in 2012. He now lives in an apartment complex off the Dock Road in Limerick. On January 27, 2012, he was a passenger in a car that was involved in a minimal impact collision with a vehicle driven by a German woman visiting the country.

Giving evidence in his personal injuries claim, Mr Whab told Mr Justice Michael Moriarty that he has “itchy skin” from showering three times a day to keep warm as a result of the accident.

“I can’t get warm and after the showers, I have a reaction to the shampoo”, he said.

Stating that he was an international volleyball player in his native Afghanistan, Mr Whab said his life “completely changed after the accident.

“I used to eat fine food and live very well – very expensive too – because I am a model and a golden boy in my country but after the accident I don’t…I can’t.

Asked by John Punch SC for the German woman’s car hire insurance company why the rubber on the crutch he was using wasn’t worn down four years after the accident, Mr Whab responded: “I’m a model and perfect in my ways and clothes and I mind things”.

When Mr Punch said that several doctors failed to find evidence of his injuries, he said that doctors in Ireland act like Gardaí and investigate. “They should be kind, caring and understanding. That is why the hospitals are down in this country at this time”, he added.

He vigorously disputed the suggestion that the injuries were “greatly exaggerated” given that there was only €1,500 damage caused to the 2000 registered Nissan Micra he was passenger in.

“My parents gave me great knowledge and I am a genius and I know what the doctor’s don’t. My back and neck and leg pain me every day”, he said.

Asked about previous injuries included in his medical file, Mr Whab said: “a lot of troublemakers live near me on the Dock Road and one time I was attacked. I am Golden boy living in a bad place with bad people. Before the accident, I played for my country – top level and was a golden boy, a legend and a worldwide volleyball champion.

When Mr Punch said that he claimed to have suicidal ideations”, Mr Whab replied: “Ireland’s society is different from Afghanistan and Iran. We are very knowledgeable people and if someone kills themselves, it is a very shameful thing to do and I am fighting this mental disease.

“I am a champion but I lost all my hair from this because I have massive stress in my body”, he claimed.

Addressing Mr Justice Moriarty, he said “Mr Judge – Today I am here. Truthful. I am Irish resident citizen and I am a golden boy. This girl came to Ireland and she is German. She is completely wrong and doesn’t know the system here and crashed in to me and ruined my life.

“I have a big belly now and I used to have a six pack and I am fighting my body. Every week I go to the GP and I fill in all my back problems and my doctor was here and he supported me”.

Citing ten separate medical reports, Mr Punch sought a dismissal of the claim and said that Mr Whab’s affidavits were false.

Mr Justice Moriarty said he would grant 28 days for the defence to file submissions for a dismissal and a further 28 days for the claimant to respond.