Elderly man sexually assaulted woman at Dubai Museum, court told

The 72-year-old told a court he was 'out of his mind' at the time.

DUBAI// A 72-year-old man who sexually assaulted a woman after asking to have his photo taken with her told a court he was “out of his mind” at the time.

The Indian confessed to a charge of sexual assault at Dubai Criminal Court.

“I did that, but I don’t understand how I did it. I think I was out of my mind. I’m old and have a heart disease and been living here for more than 40 years during which I haven’t committed any violation,” said the man, who works as a carpenter.

Police received an email from the victim reporting the incident.

On August 23 last year, the woman, whose age was not mentioned, was at the Dubai Museum when the defendant asked for a photo with her.

She said she did not mind as he was an old man, but that when he stood close to her he put his arms around her, kissed her on the cheek, then touched her breast.

“At nearly 1.30pm she came to me crying. She asked me if there were any police officers at the museum. I told her I was head of security and she can tell me whatever was upsetting her. She told me that a man had touched her,” said an Ethiopian security guard.

It was not mentioned in court when the defendant was arrested.

A verdict will be issued on February 13.