ABU DHABI //A man accused of molesting and threatening 5-year-old girl in a public toilet said he only touched her because she asked him to clean her up after she wet herself, the Criminal Court heard on Monday.
”I was cleaning the bathroom and discovered that the toilet paper had run out so I went to fetch some from the store,” said I W, from Pakistan.
“When I went back I found the girl standing in the bathroom bottomless so I was hesitant to go inside and turned to leave.”
However, the girl called him asking for his help but he decided to leave.
“Then she called me again so I answered her call and cleaned her up with tissues and water,” he continued.
“Do you usually offer such services to people?” asked chief justice Idris Binmansour.
He said it was just this one time.
“Was there anyone accompanying the girl?” asked the chief justice, “Were there other people in the bathroom?”
I W said there were none.
“How did she talk to you? In which language?” asked chief justice binmansour.
I W said she asked him in English.
A verdict will be announced on March 18.
hdajani@thenational.ae
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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1st Test July 26-30 in Galle
2nd Test August 3-7 in Colombo
3rd Test August 12-16 in Pallekele
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Tips for taking the metro
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