Driver jailed for stealing bag from mosque

Dubai: A driver has been jailed for six months for stealing a laptop bag while its owner was performing maghreb prayers inside a mosque.

The Pakistani driver allegedly waited for the Indian clerk to start his prayers before he stole the bag that contained cash, personal belongings and documents in August.

The Dubai Court of First Instance convicted the driver of theft after he pleaded guilty.

Presiding judge Ezzat Mansour said the accused will be deported.

The Dubai Misdemeanour Court had sentenced the defendant to a month in jail followed by deportation for his involvement in a similar case.

The clerk told prosecutors that the incident happened in a mosque in Karama area.

“I entered the mosque and placed my laptop bag beside me as I offered maghreb prayers. When the prayers concluded, I turned to pick my bag … but it had gone. The bag contained some papers, photos of my wife and myself, Dh40 and a special work-related guidebook. I reported the matter to the police immediately,” the clerk testified.

Records said the defendant was arrested later for being involved in another case.

The clerk’s personal documents and belongings that were in the stolen laptop bag were found in the defendant’s possession.

The driver admitted to prosecutors that he stole the bag and that he had been convicted and punished in a similar case.

Thursday’s ruling remains subject to appeal within 15 days.