Man molests jogger in Dubai park, snatches her phone

The man faced charges of molestation and forcible theft.

A man has been charged with attacking a jogger and molesting her at a park at night. The 25-year-old Pakistani, a mechanic by profession, allegedly hugged the woman, an Ethiopian, and made his body touch hers while also stretching his hand to touch her inappropriately in the dark place.
He fled the place after snatching her mobile phone to stop her from calling for help. The man faced charges of molestation and forcible theft in the Court of First Instance.
The case dates back to June 2 and was reported to Al Rashidiya police.
"I was jogging around 10pm when I passed by a man (the accused) who was sitting on a bench. He said he wanted to know me and asked for my number," the complainant, who is a 21-year-old housewife, told the prosecutor.
"I ignored him but I was surprised he stood up and followed me. I picked up my pace but suddenly felt his body touching mine. His hands were also on me. I screamed and pushed him away. I had my phone in my hand and told him I would call the police. But he told me not to and then grabbed my hand and snatched the phone while running away."
The woman sought the help of the security guard to call the police and lodged a complaint at Al Rashidiya police station.
Three days later, she called the police after she spotted the accused in the same park.
The man was arrested at the entrance gate shortly later.
"We were informed about the incident around 11pm. We learned from the complainant how the accused followed her and then molested her. Our patrol officers apprehended him at the same park. He admitted willingly to me that he attacked the woman and snatched her mobile phone from her hand," a police lieutenant said.
 

• Dubai

Marie Nammour

mary@khaleejtimes.com