Trio who burgled Jumeirah villa then drove off in family’s car have sentences upheld

Pakistani men have been told they must serve their one-year sentences by Dubai Court of Appeal.

DUBAI // Three men who were each given a year in jail for breaking into a Jumeirah villa and stealing jewellery, electronics and a 4x4 vehicle before driving to Ajman to buy alcohol have had their sentences upheld.

Pakistanis MR, 34, ZA, 24, and MS, 36, broke into the villa after watching it to make sure no one was home.

In evidence, tenant AG, 53, from France, said he arrived home at 9.30pm and noticed his wife’s car was missing.

“I found the place trashed,” said the sales director, who called police after he saw the back door had been forced and valuables were missing.

Emirati policeman AS, 27, said: “We arrested MR after we were tipped off about his involvement.”

During questioning, he said his role was as a lookout.

ZA and MS told police they broke into the villa using a screwdriver and stole items before fleeing in the Toyota SUV.

MS said they drove to Ajman, bought alcohol and divided the stolen items.

At Dubai Criminal Court, the defendants were found guilty of breaking and entering and destruction of private property and were sentenced to one year in jail, while MS was fined Dh1,000 for overstaying his visa.

That ruling was upheld by Dubai Court of Appeal this week.