Prominent Abu Dhabi community member sentenced to five years for accidental death

The man was also found to be under the influence of alcohol

A prominent member of Abu Dhabi ’s community who assaulted a man, causing his death, has been sentenced to five years in prison.

On January 27, the 29-year-old Emirati defendant – whose identity cannot be revealed – assaulted a compatriot while drunk. The man, who had chronic cardiac ischemia, died immediately afterwards.
On the night of the incident, prosecutors said, the two men had been at a party at the defendant's home, along with other friends. The defendant had tried to prevent the deceased – whose age was not disclosed in records – from leaving, and when he did eventually leave the accused chased him and assaulted him near his home in Al Barsha while driving under the influence of alcohol.
An eyewitness who called police and an ambulance when the victim collapsed told investigators the defendant then left the victim on the ground and drove off.
A forensic expert told the court in an earlier hearing that the victim's death was the result of a chronic heart condition.
The medical report prepared by forensic experts at Dubai Police said the defendant had assaulted the deceased, which put him in a state of panic that later caused his death.
The defendant denied charges of assaulting someone's safety and accidentally causing their death, illegally consuming alcohol and driving under the influence. His lawyer, Ali Al Shamsi, argued that the accused was not guilty because the death was caused by the man's heart condition.
Assistant chief prosecutor, Ahmad Al Attar, requested a verdict of guilty with the maximum penalty and the court ordered the confiscation of the defendant's car.

The deceased’s father has also filed a civil case against the defendant, seeking compensation.