Pair in court over death of Moroccan

Two Emirati men admit drinking but deny causing the death of a 22-year-old Moroccan who had come to the assistance of a woman they were allegedly harassing.

DUBAI // Two Emirati men yesterday admitted drinking but denied causing the death in April of a 22-year-old Moroccan who had come to the assistance of a woman they were allegedly harassing. Prosecutors told the Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance that Al Mustafa al Sadooni was one of a group who came to the woman's aid outside The Lodge nightclub when she was being bothered by SA and UT, both 23, who had earlier been ejected from the premises.

The altercation had left him with fatal skull fractures and internal bleeding. SA and UT admitted drinking to excess, but said they were not responsible for the death. Their attorney argued for bail, as both were employed and had been in good standing in the community. However, the judge's decision on that was not available yesterday. [e-mail]