Pardon for man who murdered colleague

A man who murdered his colleague with a hammer for insulting his mother has been pardoned by the dead man's family - four years after the court first sought their opinion.

ABU DHABI // A man who murdered his colleague with a hammer because of an insult to his mother has been pardoned by the dead man's family - four years after the justice department first sought their opinion.

In an attack in 2010, L, from Pakistan, smashed the hammer into his colleague's head with such force parts of his brain fell out.

He defended his actions in the subsequent court trial by explaining that the dead man, Mohammed Wakas, had always bullied him verbally, and insulted the honour of his mother and sister.

He said when he finally cracked and hit Wakas with the hammer he had not meant to kill him, but was merely taking revenge for the continuous bullying.

Judges said they were unconvinced, citing forensics reports that said the force of the blows suggested his intention was to kill.

However, they could not reach a verdict without reaching the lawful heirs of the dead man. This proved difficult to find as they lived in a remote rural village.

A breakthrough occurred during one hearing in which the judge asked a witness whether he knew the victim's family.

The witness seemed hesitant until the judge explained he could receive compensation if the heirs were found.

Under Sharia the blood relatives were given three options: to pardon the killer altogether; give up their right to vengeance and ask for blood money instead; or ask for vengeance, which means if convicted the killer would be sentenced to death.

The heirs chose a complete pardon for the murderer.

For the criminal element of the case the Criminal Court sentenced the man to three years in prison to be followed by deportation.