Man jailed for attacking party guest, causing brain damage

dubai — A real estate broker has been sentenced to three years in jail for hitting a party guest with a fire extinguisher, causing him skull fractures. He earlier admitted to the charge in court.

According to prosecution records, the 45-year-old Briton attacked the Emirati victim with the fire extinguishe after stopping him (the victim) and his friends from walking into a party.

According to the forensic report, the attack left the victim with a partial brain disability (80 per cent). He has been suffering recurrent epilepsy episodes and became very aggressive and nervous. The injury is considered permanent.

An initial report showed that he sustained a very serious injury which could have been life-threatening; he arrived at hospital in a critical condition.

The Court of First Instance also ordered the accused to pay Dh1,000 for consuming alcohol without a licence and Dh21,000 in temporary damages to the victim. He will be deported after completing his term.

The incident allegedly happened on February 14, last year and was reported to Bur Dubai police.

The complainant, an employee, 30, said he was invited to a compatriot friend’s birthday party at a suite in a hotel.

“I brought two friends to the party. The defendant, who opened the door for us, asked me about the reason I brought them.”

The complainant then threw his wallet on him saying he was willing to pay for his friends.

“He shut the door before he suddenly opened it again. He then hit me with a fire extinguisher on the eye and head.”

The complainant fainted and woke up later in his friend’s car. “My friend took me home and then to hospital. At around 11 am the doctor told me I had internal bleeding as a result of a skull fracture. I underwent surgery.”

The victim’s friend, a police sergeant, 30, said they were about to leave when the defendant opened the door and suddenly hit his friend on the head. The verdict may be appealed.

mary@khaleejtimes.com