Man 'beat colleague to death with a stick'

A man who beat his colleague to death using a wooden stick told Dubai Criminal Court he acted in self-defence.

Faced with a premeditated murder charge, the Indian said he had no intention of killing the man.

“We had several disputes before and that day we argued again and he attacked me so I defended myself but I never had the intention to end his life,” the 42-year-old said.

Records show that on April 28 this year, the air conditioning technician and his friend – whose nationality and age were not disclosed in court records - were having dinner and drinking alcohol at a villa under construction in Al Qouz Industrial area.

Prosecutors said they began arguing about a work-related matter and the victim insulted the Indian’s wife and family.

The men fought and the Indian man beat his colleague with a wooden stick and left.

Police were called the next morning after the man was found dead.

“I found the security guard and the defendant standing there,” an Emirati police officer said.

He said the air conditioning technician admitted to fighting with his colleague and assaulting him but said he never expected him to die.

A medical report showed the victim was heavily intoxicated and died from internal bleeding caused by the assault.

The man denied a charge of premeditated murder in court.

The next hearing will take place on August 10.