Accountant molested jobseeker, Dubai court hears

DUBAI // An accountant molested a female jobseeker after luring her into his office for an interview, a court heard today.

SA, 23, from India, asked the woman to sit at his computer and demonstrate her skills, but when she did so his hand clasped hers on the mouse, heard the Criminal Court. The woman screamed and told him to let go, which he did, before apologising.

Prosecutors said the accountant called the woman on February 17 and invited her for an interview after she posted her mobile number on an internet jobs site.

"He asked me if I was looking for a job and I said yes, so he told me to come to his office the next morning," recalled the woman. She declined at first as she had no means of transport, but he called back and insisted she visit that evening at about 6pm.

When she arrived the accountant, who was alone in his office, locked the door behind her.

She then sat on a chair in front of a computer and the accountant asked her to use a program.

"I told him I didn't know how to work on that program, then he sat next to me and started touching my hand which was holding the mouse," she said. She said he also touched her buttocks.

The woman screamed and warned the accountant that her brother-in-law was waiting outside for her.

The accountant then let go of her hand and she left. She called him afterwards and told him what he did was inappropriate and that she would call the police.

"He apologised but it was too late," said the woman.

The accountant denied a charge of sexual assault.

The case was adjourned to April 11.