Waiter stole ring from employer as he wasn’t being paid, Dubai court hears

The court heard the Iraqi man stole the ring, a chequebook and a camera from the fish restaurant after he had not been paid his salary.

DUBAI // A waiter accused of stealing a diamond ring from the restaurant where he worked seven years ago said he took it because he was not paid.

Dubai Criminal Court heard on Thursday morning that Iraqi J Y, 29, worked at the fish restaurant in 2007 and in September 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 A Y, 32, testified that the defendant confessed to him how he was not given his salary 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.

The next hearing is on November 27.