DUBAI // An illegal worker who punched a policeman was today sentenced in absentia to six months in prison by the Dubai Criminal Court.
The 35-year-old Iraqi OJ, who is on the run from the law, is wanted by police for violating residency regulations and overstaying his visa. He punched the policeman RS, a 32-year-old Yemeni, when he was asked to show his identification papers at a cafe on November 17.
After showing the policeman forged papers the Iraqi was arrested and taken to the patrol car, but he punched the policeman in the neck and ran away. The policemen gave chase and caught him.
The man was charged with overstaying his visit visa, using a forged document, impersonating another man, resisting arrest and assaulting an officer. He is thought to have absconded after being released on bail.
The court referred the charge of overstaying a visa term to an immigration court.
salamir@thenational.ae