Intoxicated worker stabs roommate to death in Abu Dhabi

A Nepalese construction worker accused of stabbing his compatriot roommate to death has admitted attacking the man, but claimed not to remember why and how he did that because he was too drunk.
The accused appeared before the Abu Dhabi criminal court on Thursday, charged with premeditated murder.
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According to the prosecution, the duo consumed liquor near their accommodation in the Musaffah industrial area. And when they returned to their room, they allegedly engaged in an argument, which soon developed into a fight.
"The accused then used a kitchen knife and stabbed his friend in the neck, chest and other parts of his body," the prosecutor told the court.
"The man bled heavily and died. By the time the police reached the place, he was found lying in a pool of blood."
The accused was arrested after investigations suggested that he carried out the attack.
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In the court, the worker confessed to attacking the victim, but denied intentionally killing him. "We had a fight after drinking alcohol," the defendant told the court.
"He hit me so badly and also gave me some kicks before I got hold of the knife and stabbed him."
When the judge asked him about the reason why he had to attack his friend, he replied: "I just can't remember what caused the argument between us and why I had to use a knife on him because I was drunk.
"I didn't want to hurt or kill him because he was my friend and workmate. Everything just happened so quickly."
The judge said that the worker should appoint a lawyer to represent him in the future hearing.
He also ordered that the family of the dead man me contacted to see if they can pardon the killer in exchange for blood money.
The trial has been adjourned to March 8.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com