DUBAI // A man who tried to strangle his relative in the Dubai Mall car park has had his five-year jail term for attempted murder reduced on appeal.
The Pakistani victim, 58, met his younger relative on May 22 last year at his office before driving to Dubai Mall.
“We spent two hours shopping then headed to my car,” said the victim. “He then moved out of the car saying it was too hot but suddenly he got in the back seat and threw a rope around my neck then pulled it, trying to strangle me.”
The man resisted and sounded the car’s horn for help.
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Today in court:
■ Dubai policewoman who stole cash from wallet has prison term suspended
■ Men sentenced to life in prison for rape of maid have sentences reduced
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Alerted by the noise, a group of women ran towards the car. Their screams were heard by an off-duty policewoman and together the women were able to stop the attacker, 26, who ran off.
“He got up and fled and I was screaming at security to catch him,” said the officer.
The victim said he had no idea why his relative would do such a thing as “we have no problems at all”, but a policeman who questioned the attacker said it was because of financial problems.
He denied a charge of attempted murder but Dubai Criminal Court sentenced him to five years and deportation.
Dubai Appeals Courts reduced his sentence to three years but upheld his deportation.
salamir@thenational.ae
