Dubai court upholds jail term, deportation in child assault case

Dubai's court of appeal has confirmed a one-year prison sentence and deportation order for a man convicted of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The court found that the evidence presented was sufficient to support the conviction and dismissed the defendant's appeal on both procedural and substantive grounds. The man was accused of exploiting the girl's youth by lying beside her on a bed, placing his head on her chest, and putting an arm around her shoulder.

The case was investigated by the Al Qusais police station and prosecuted under Articles 126(1) and 407(1-3) of the UAE's Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 on Crimes and Penalties. The defendant disputed the charges, with his lawyer arguing that the evidence was insufficient to prove criminal intent. However, the public prosecution opposed the appeal and urged the court to uphold the original verdict.

After examining the case file, the court of appeal concluded that the evidence, including the defendant's statements during investigations and forensic reports, was sufficient to confirm the conviction. The one-year sentence and deportation order will remain in effect, with deportation occurring upon completion of the prison term. The civil claim was sent to the civil court for further evaluation.