Accused in Obaida's murder case sentenced to death

Dubai - The bench also ruled that 48-year-old Jordanian defendant, Nidal Abdullah, should pay Dh 21,000 in civil damages.

A bench of the Dubai Court of First Instance on Monday unanimously sentenced to death a Jordanian man convicted of raping and killing eight-year-old Obaida.
The court also ruled the 48-year-old Jordanian defendant, Nidal Eissa Abdullah, should pay Dh21,000 in temporary civil damages to Obaida's family and that his body be repatriated after execution.
Speaking after the sentencing, Obaida's father Ibrahim Al Aqrabawi said he was satisfied as justice was finally brought to his son. He said he would visit his son's grave to tell him that his killer would be executed for what he did.
Must read: Severe punishment sought for Obaida's killer
Case details: Obaida resisted his killer as much as he could
"This murder has resulted in the loss of my innocent child who did nothing wrong. Since my son's death I have been waiting for this moment. To be in the court to hear this judgement has offered some calm at this time."
He also thanked all those who offered his family support during the difficult period.  
Several other members of the Jordanian child's family welcomed the verdict with tears and sighs of relief, and hugged each other, praising God and justice.
The defendant, who appeared calm and did not show any expression upon hearing his conviction, was escorted by several security guards out of the courtroom right after the verdict was read out.
About the accused: Accused in Obaida case refuses to show up in court
According to the verdict, the defendant was convicted of premeditated murder, kidnap, physical assault, making criminal threats, consuming alcohol without licence and drink driving, based on the solid technical evidence and witnesses presented by the public prosecution.
The accused retracted his earlier confession and denied the charges in the previous hearing. He claimed he was not in Al Mamzar area of Dubai where he is accused of taking the victim when the incident took place on May 20.
The defendant denied he had given a confession to the police officers or led them to where he disposed of the victim's body.
Admittance: Accused admits to Obaida's murder and sexual assault charges
Interesting read: Accused in Obaida's case requests secret trial
He claimed before the court that he suffered from mental and psychological problems. He told the court he does not recall anything and is not aware of what happened on the day of the incident.
His defence lawyer requested that his client be examined by a medical team to determine his state of mind when he allegedly committed the crime.