Prisoner 'damaged cell in suicide attempt'

A prisoner who tried to kill himself by setting fire to his clothes has been charged with damaging the detention centre he was being held in.

DUBAI // A prisoner accused of trying to kill himself by setting his clothes on fire has been charged with damaging the detention centre he was being held in.

AD, who did not show up at the Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance today to enter his plea, was said to have set fire to his shirt during a suicide attempt at the Faqa detention centre in August last year. But the flames spread through his cell and resulted in Dh69,256 worth of damages. The 22-year-old Emirati was also charged with attempting suicide and endangering the lives of the policemen at the centre.

The policeman KJ, 25, told the court that AD was the only detainee at the time and had asked to be moved to the Bur Dubai Detention Centre. He said that on the day of the fire another officer had refused a request by AD for a cigarette, after which AD returned to his cell.

Shortly after, KJ was watching the centre's surveillance cameras when he noticed flames coming from AD's cell.

He said when officers rushed into the cell they found AD taking shelter in the toilet. AD was then rushed to hospital while civil defence firemen extinguished the blaze.

AD had made previous suicide attempts by cutting his wrists and hanging himself, according to KJ.

The policeman SS said AD was suicidal because he was away from his family.

The reason for AD's detention at the centre was not made clear - neither was how AD was able to start the fire.

The case was adjourned until April 9.