Man already under arrest on drugs charge punches policeman in the face

Filipino was in handcuffs but landed a forceful punch on the officer in protest at a female friend also being arrested.

DUBAI // A man already under arrest and in handcuffs who punched a police officer in the face has been sent to jail.

The 34-year-old Filipino was arrested, along with two compatriots - a 30-year-old man and a woman aged 45 - on August 5 last year by officers from the anti-narcotics department.

“As we parked in the department’s car park, we got the suspects out of the car then he suddenly ran towards my colleague and punched him strongly in the face. We restrained him as he tried to do it again,” said an Emirati policeman.

A police corporal said he asked the defendant why he had attacked his colleague. “He told me it was his way to object against the arrest of the female defendant,” said the officer.

The defendant, who had a cut on his upper lip, claimed that he had been assaulted by officers.

A medical report found the lip injury was minor while other injuries to his mouth were caused by chronic gum disease.

“I didn’t do that,” said the 34-year-old Filipino when he appeared at Dubai Criminal Court on Thursday charged with assault, possession of amphetamines with the intent to sell and with consuming drugs.

“True, I had drugs with me, but it was all for my personal use.”

The court sentenced the 34-year-old to 5 years in jail and he was fined Dh20,000.

The other defendants were charged with consuming drugs and were sentenced to 6 months in jail each.

They will all be deported after completing their sentences.