Man gets life for killing friend in sword attack

An unemployed man has been jailed for life for hacking his friend to death with a sword.

Last January, the Emirati, 23, called his countryman friend and asked to meet him in Oud Al Muteena. At the agreed spot the accused took out a 50cm sword and stabbed him repeatedly.

An off-duty policeman witnessed the murder.

Yesterday, the Dubai Court of First Instance convicted the accused of premeditated murder, although he had pleaded not guilty. The ruling remains subject to appeal within 15 days. (Staff Report)