Man tried to bribe Dubai Police officer after being caught outside without a permit and mask, court hears

The incident happened during Dubai's lockdown to limit the spread of Covid-19

The man denied a premeditated murder charge and the next hearing will be on November 15. The National

A man caught flouting coronavirus movement restrictions in Dubai tried to bribe a police office, a court heard.

Dubai Criminal Court was told the Indian, 24, left his house on April 29, during the emirate's movement restrictions.

During that time, members of the public were forbidden to leave their homes without permits.

Only those working in vital sectors were exempt.

“I was patrolling Jebel Ali when I saw him [the defendant] along with a woman outside a hotel,” said the officer.

“When I stopped them for not wearing face masks, it turned out he was out without a permit."

The officer said the man told him he stepped out of the hotel to collect a massage therapist.

After the Indian was taken to a police station, it is claimed he tried to bribe the officer with Dh2,000 and promised another Dh1,000 later in return for letting him go.

The officer alerted his director, who referred the defendant to prosecutors.

In court, the man was charged with offering a bribe to a policeman on duty, which he denied.

The next hearing was scheduled for October 19.