DUBAI// A prison inmate set his cell on fire using a battery and an electric wire causing Dh12,600 in damages, Dubai Criminal Court was told.
The 27-year-old Emirati denied charges of arson, damaging property and endangering the lives of prisoners and officers.
A police guard spotted smoke from the inmate’s cell on surveillance cameras on May 11 last year.
“I got him out and asked him why he had done so, he told me because his requests were not met,” the guard said.
The defendant had allegedly asked to be moved to a different cell.
A mental evaluation from Al Amal Hospital indicated the inmate was aware of his actions.
The charges on which the defendant was initially jailed were not in records.
The verdict is expected on May 19.
salamir@thenational.ae
