Would-be thief jailed in Dubai after failing to make his getaway

The defendant injured himself as he tried to make off with a bag containing Dh200,000, a Dubai court heard.

DUBAI// A thief who sprained his ankle while trying to flee the scene of a crime has been sentenced to six months in jail.

Dubai Criminal Court heard that on April 30 this year S A, 28, from Afghanistan, stole a bag containing Dh200,000 from a man as he walked along the street.

Two police officers standing close by heard the victim shout for help, the court heard.

“It was about 11.40am in Murshid Souq area when I heard a man screaming ‘thief, thief’”, said Emirati policeman S J, 22.

“I went to him and he told me what happened [so] my colleague started looking for the thief.”

In his attempt to escape, S A threw the bag to the ground, scattering notes everywhere, the officer said.

“He then fell on the ground after his ankle twisted and we arrested him.”

In court S A, denied a charge of robbery.

He will be deported after completing his sentence.