Killer locked up for life loses bid for early release

Defenant was one of three men jailed for killing a shopkeeper 15 years ago

A man handed a life sentence for the murder of a shopkeeper in Dubai 15 years ago has lost his bid for early release.

The 39-year-old, from Pakistan, is one of three men serving a life term - a sentence of 25 years - for the killing in the Naif area of the emirate on April 20, 2003.

The defendant and a second man, a 36-year-old tailor from India, were jailed a year later for their role in the death.

A third man, 47, from Pakistan, was arrested in 2016 on his return to the country after being at large for 13 years and later jailed.

The tailor acted as a look out while the other two men stabbed the man - whose age and nationality have not been disclosed in court records - in the chest, neck, and arms.

They stole his mobile phones, Dh300 in cash and his bank card, which they later used to withdraw Dh5,500.
The 36-year-old defendant was tracked down after being captured by a cash machine camera withdrawing money from the deceased's account.

He admitted his part in the murder during police questioning and told officers about the role of his two accomplices, who had both fled the country.

The 39-year-old defendant was arrested on his return to the country three months later.

He applied for early release but his request was rejected at Dubai Criminal Court.