Acquittal in Dh173,000 villa theft upheld

On return from holiday, family found jewellery had been stolen

adolescents, the judicial department also spreads awareness on social media and local television. “We not only aim to educate youth to stay away from negative vibes but also aim to spread similar messages among parents, married couples and families to protect them from these problems,” she said.

Al Kusairi asserted that the department also cooperates with the police and social support centres to combat the spread of violent behaviour among children by distributing pamphlets and brochures on the subject.

“We participate in parent meetings in schools, to urge them to monitor their children and protect them from the different kinds of dangers lurking around them,” she said.

As many as 2,807 cases were received last year at the Family and Child Prosecution departments of Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, and 3,124 cases in 2016.

One of the major reasons for juvenile crime is the adverse impact of technologies like mobile phones, which promote violence and abuse in the form of violent games, movies and videos.

Atiqa Awadh Al Kusairi | Director of Family and Children’s Prosecution in Al Ain

cases received in 2016

■ Legal and Court Correspondent

Prosecutors have lost their appeal against the acquittal of two men who had been accused of sneaking into a villa and stealing Dh173,000 worth of valuables while its tenants were away on summer holiday.

According to court records, a South Korean manager and her family were away in the summer of 2015 and on their return, found their jewellery and other valuables had been stolen.

Lack of evidence

In May, the Dubai Court of First Instance acquitted the Chinese men, aged 24 and 27, of trespassing into the South Korean’s villa and stealing Dh173,000 worth valuables.

Prosecutors appealed the primary judgement and asked the Dubai Appeal Court to overturn the ruling and punish the Chinese duo.

When the two men appeared in court, they renewed their not guilty plea and denied the accusations.

Citing lack of corroborated evidence, presiding judge Saeed Salem Bin Sarm upheld the acquittal of the Chinese duo.

Records said police arrested the unemployed men, who were detained for committing a similar theft.

Yesterday’s ruling remains subject to appeal before the Cassation Court within 30 days.