DUBAI // A waiter accused of starting a fire in the restaurant he worked in told a court on Thursday the blaze began by mistake.
Dubai Criminal Court heard that on June 5 this year 28-year-old A A, from Egypt, started the fire after getting into an argument with his boss.
The defendant was also charged with issuing threats, stealing a Samsung tablet and Dh800 in cash, and causing Dh4,500 worth of damage to Anatolia restaurant, in Ibn Battuta Mall.
A A denied making threats and starting the fire, but confessed to the theft and to damaging a computer screen.
“I had an argument with the manager a few days before because I hadn’t been paid, afterwhich they told me I had to apologise or I would be reported to the police,” A A told the court.
The incident occurred after the defendant was asked to sign his contract of employment, restaurant owner M A told prosecutors.
“He refused saying he doesn’t want to work with us anymore, then lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Labour and demanded his passport and benefits,” the 42-year-old Iraqi said.
Shortly thereafter M A was notified about the fire, in the restaurant kitchen.
Upon checking the CCTV, he saw the defendant start the blaze, the court heard.
The resulting power cut caused 35 kilos of foodstuffs kept in refrigerators to spoil.
A verdict is expected December 31.
salamir@thenational.ae
