UAE | Crime
Drunk driver faces three years in jail
A drunken motorist who jumped a red signal and left two tourists dead and six others injured after ramming into their cars is facing three years in jail and a hefty fine.
- By Bassam Za'za', Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:20 September 5, 2008
Dubai: A drunken motorist who jumped a red signal and left two tourists dead and six others injured after ramming into their cars is facing three years in jail and a hefty fine.
The Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution yesterday referred the 36-year-old British driver to the Traffic Court of First Instance where he will be prosecuted for driving under the influence of alcohol, jumping a red signal and causing the casualties in a horrific car crash last month.
Salah Bu Farousha, Head of Dubai's Traffic Public Prosecution, confirmed that the Briton, M.Y.S., who faces a long list of charges, faces the sternest punishment possible.
"The life of someone is not a joke ... we want the public to understand that we will not tolerate any breach of traffic laws and regulations. We are very strict when it comes to prosecuting negligent and reckless drivers who sit behind the wheels, and drive under the influence of alcohol. We aim to rid the emirate's streets of unwise and inconsiderate drivers," he said.
Bu Farousha said officials had asked the court to hand out the toughest sentence possible to M.Y.S.
"He has been charged with drunken and reckless driving, jumping a red signal before he hit another vehicle, killing two tourists and injuring six, damaging private and public properties in Mankhoul area. As per the UAE traffic law, the Briton could be looking at three years in jail, a fine amounting to Dh30,000, Dh400,000 in blood money and deportation."
When questioned by Assistant Chief Traffic Prosecutor, Mohammad Hassan Abdul Rahim, M.Y.S. confessed that he consumed liquor on the morning of the accident, which took place on August 7.
However, he denied driving under the influence of alcohol when he crashed into the tourists' vehicle at the Mankhoul-Bur Dubai crossing on 9.40pm.
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