DUBAI // A waiter was sentenced in absentia to six months in prison after he was found guilty of stealing a diamond ring from the restaurant where he worked seven years ago because he claimed he was not paid.
Dubai Criminal Court heard last November that Iraqi JY, 29, worked at the fish restaurant in 2007 and in September of that year he decided to rob the place after he was not paid his wages.
Prosecutors said he stole a diamond ring, chequebook and a camera. He was injured during the robbery and a blood stain he left behind identified him as the thief, though he was only caught recently and referred to court.
Emirati police major AY, 32, testified that the defendant confessed to him how he was not given the money he was due so he used a ladder to climb to a toilet window and, from there, enter the restaurant.
“He told me he used an electric saw and a screwdriver to open the accountant’s drawer but found no cash to steal and that he did so because he asked the restaurant to give him his salary but they never did,” said the major.
The defendant was not present in court to enter a plea. If found and he serves his sentence, he will be deported afterwards.
salamir@thenational.ae
