Reckless driver ordered to clean Abu Dhabi streets in first community service sentence

In a video released by Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, a Toyota 4x4s is seen power-sliding in wet conditions before hitting a curb and striking a bystander.

The Emirati man was also fined and had his driving licence revoked. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Judicial Department

ABU DHABI // An Emirati has been ordered to clean the city’s streets and public spaces for three months as punishment for reckless driving in which a pedestrian was hit.

The unemployed man was also ordered to pay a Dh17,000 fine – Dh10,000 for the hit-and-run and Dh7,000 for the other charges – and will have his driving licence revoked for three months.

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department released a video showing the man’s Toyota 4x4 power-sliding in wet conditions before hitting a curb, striking the bystander and causing others to flee.

The motorist was charged with reckless driving, driving without registration plates, exposing himself and others to danger, causing an accident and fleeing the scene.

The man, who is unemployed, has not been officially identified but the judicial department has released his photograph.

This is the first community service sentence issued by Abu Dhabi's courts to enforce changes to the Federal Penal Code introduced last year. Community service was added as a punishment for some offences instead of detention, for a period no less than six months and a fine.

The defendant had been referred to court this month.

Community service includes humanitarian, educational and environmental services that benefit the public.

It aims to bring about change in a defendant’s conduct without imprisonment.

The community service prosecution has the discretion to determine where it will be carried out.

The Emirati man has been cleaning the streets of Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Judicial Department

This month, Abu Dhabi formed a new public prosecution in a decision issued by the Judicial Department and its chairman, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Community service will become a more common response to petty crimes across the country now that the penal code has been updated.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, ordered community service as punishment in two cases recently.

Men who urged two dogs to kill a cat were told to clean Dubai Zoo for three months. In February, men who had been driving recklessly at City Walk were ordered to clean Dubai's streets for four hours each day for a month.

Road safety experts and motorists have said making dangerous and reckless drivers perform community service would deter them from flouting the law and make the country's roads safer.