An ex-convict has been accused of stealing a pick-up truck at knifepoint after chugging six cans of a beverage and then committing several crimes using the stolen vehicle.
The 26-year-old Bahraini is standing trial at the High Criminal Court for allegedly threatening an Indian expatriate who had been waiting in his friend’s car, forcing him out of the vehicle and driving away.
The defendant has already been sentenced to six months in prison for intentionally crashing the stolen pick-up into two other vehicles while intoxicated.
He is currently being investigated for assaulting an individual and robbing his wallet and phone and then fleeing in the stolen car.
In this case, the court heard that the Indian owner of the pick-up had parked outside a currency exchange bureau, leaving his 41‑year‑old friend seated in the passenger seat while he ran his errand.
During this time, the suspect from Muharraq allegedly approached the vehicle, brandished a knife, poked the man’s shoulder with the blade, and ordered him to get out before fleeing with the truck.
The suspect reportedly yelled at him, demanding he leave the car.
He only sustained a superficial injury from the October attack, he testified.
The Indian victim identified the defendant from a police lineup and officers reportedly found the knife in the suspect’s pouch.
The pick-up’s owner recounted leaving the exchange shop to find his vehicle missing.
Court documents state that the Bahraini defendant had been implicated in two additional criminal cases involving the same stolen pick‑up.
He was sentenced to six months at the High Criminal Court for robbing a person on the street and taking his valuables.
Another case – an alleged hit‑and‑run on Hidd Road while under the influence – remains under investigation by the Public Prosecution.
He had also previously been convicted in theft cases.
During questioning, the defendant claimed he was unaware of his actions due to prescription medications used to treat epilepsy, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
He stated that he is a long-term psychiatric patient and was also intoxicated at the time.
The hearing has been adjourned to Tuesday.
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