DUBAI // A Russian woman took her friend’s driving licence and her car before driving recklessly on the Palm Jumeirah and assaulting another motorist in a fit of road rage.
The woman, 47, was not present at Dubai Criminal Court to face charges of impersonation, use of another person’s official document, endangering lives by driving recklessly, assaulting the safety of others and committing an immoral act by flashing her middle finger.
An American driver told the court that on the night of May 24 last year the defendant was driving erratically on the Palm.
“She started changing lanes recklessly and stopping suddenly in front of my car,” said the woman, 41. “I honked my horn at her and drove away but she chased me, took over the lane right in front of me and brought her car to a complete stop.”
She said that the defendant got out of her vehicle and walked towards her, then assaulted and insulted her before raising her middle finger.
“Another woman who was in the car with the accused came and apologised for her friend’s behaviour and told me that her friend was drunk,” said the victim.
Traffic police issued a Dh400 fine against the vehicle and the woman, who gave officers her friend’s licence.
A few days later her female friend checked with police about the traffic offence.
“I was surprised by a text message stating I committed a traffic fine so I went to the police station,” said the car owner, also Russian.
“Then I discovered that the defendant, who is my friend and flatmate, had provided police with my name and driving licence when she was issued the fine. So I told them everything that happened on that night.”
A verdict is expected on June 6.
salamir@thenational.ae
