Man gets jail term for molesting woman in lift

dubai — A computer operator has been sentenced to three months in jail for sexually harassing a woman in a lift. Prosecutors had referred the 26-year-old Pakistani man, a computer operator, to the Court of First Instance to stand trial on the charge of molesting the complainant, a South African.

He is accused of kissing the woman’s hand and grabbing her to hug her against her will.

He denied the charge in the court. However, he was found guilty and ordered to be deported after completion of his jail sentence.

A complaint about the incident was lodged at the Bur Dubai police station on September 5.

The complainant, a 24-year-old on a residence visa, said she took the lift to go to her office located in the 19th floor at 5.40pm. “A man — the accused — also entered the lift with me. It was just the two of us.”

She said that he asked her about her nationality and told her his.

When the lift stopped, he was supposed to leave. But instead, he requested my mobile number.” Complainant, South African national

“When the lift stopped at the 15th floor, where he was supposed to walk out, he did not leave. But instead, he requested my mobile number which I declined to give to him.”

She told the prosecutor the defendant wanted to shake hands with her. “I extended my hand but I was surprised to see him kissing my hand. He then moved closer to me, putting his hands entirely around my back and trying to hug me.”

She instantly pushed him away from her and out of the lift.

She complained against him at the police station right away.

He admitted during investigation that he sexually harassed the complainant. The latter has identified him among other suspects at the police station.