A MAN jailed for robbery appeared at the High Criminal Court and objected to the verdict.
The 22-year-old Bahraini was previously found guilty of robbing a supermarket on September 20, 2021, along with a military personnel.
He was sentenced to five years in prison in absentia on February 14 this year.
However, he denied the charges.
“These accusations aren’t true and I was in the car with my friend when I fell asleep,” the 22-year-old told the Public Prosecution in his statement.
“When I woke up, I saw that he had a carton of cigarettes in his hands and I was surprised because I knew he was broke and couldn’t afford it.
“I asked him where he got it from, because I was worried he stole money from my wallet while I was sleeping, but he said he bought it with his own cash.
“On December 2, 2022, I was on the King Fahad Causeway driving to Qatar when I was arrested.
“The only thing I remember from that day is that I drank alcohol with my friend and fell asleep in his car. I had nothing to do with the incident.”
Court documents revealed that a 30-year-old Bangladeshi store clerk suffered multiple injuries after he was dragged by a moving vehicle. CCTV footage attached to evidence files along with medical reports confirmed his ‘version of events’.
“While I was on duty, a white vehicle approached the coldstore and I saw two people inside the car when they honked,” said the victim to the Public Prosecution.
“I went to them and they asked for a carton of cigarettes, which costs BD17.
“I took out a carton from the shop and approached the vehicle when the defendant tried to grab the pack. However, he failed and instead grabbed my elbow and his co-defendant sped off dragging me on the road.
“I dropped the carton and that is when he let go of my elbow and drove away.”
According to the medical report, the victim suffered from bruises on his elbow as well as swelling and injuries to his knees.
The case was adjourned to Tuesday to appoint a lawyer for the 22-year-old while keeping him in custody.
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