Dubai driver jailed for forcibly hugging, kissing receptionist

Dubai: A driver was sentenced to thee months in jail for stealing a kiss from a receptionist in her office.

The Dubai Court of First Instance convicted the 26-year-old Jordanian driver, M.T., of sexually molesting the 21-year-old Filipina receptionist by pulling her close to his body and stealing a kiss from her by force.

“The accused will be deported following the completion of his punishment,” said Presiding Judge Hamad Abdul Latif Abdul Jawad in court on Monday.

“That did not happen… I am not guilty,” said M.T. when he defended himself in court.

Prosecutors accused M.T. of hugging 21-year-old L.C. then forcing her to kiss him.

The receptionist said the incident happened at her workplace in Dubai Media City.

“My Jordanian boss, R.I., asked me to wait for the company’s representative to collect a car key. I was at the reception when the defendant came and claimed to be waiting for the company’s representative. I offered him coffee… after he drank it he claimed that coffee tasted bad. I offered him a new cup. When I walked into the kitchenette to prepare a new coffee, he followed me and molested me. I felt scared but tried to avoid him when he pulled me towards him and hugged me,” L.C. claimed to prosecutors.

Prosecution records said the defendant offered to have her salary increased because he had a strong friendship with her bosses.

“I refused. He walked towards my desk and asked me to kiss him. I refused saying he is not my boyfriend… he grabbed me again and forced me to kiss him. I pushed him and ran to the kitchenette. Then company’s representative arrived,” she claimed.

Prosecution records said the Filipina told the company’s representative that M.T. molested her.

L.C.’s sister convinced her to report the incident to the police.

Monday’s judgment remains subject to appeal within 15 days.