Dubai: A man was sentenced to five years in jail for forcefully undressing and attempting to rape his workmate before she jumped out of his car and ran away naked.

The Dubai Court of First Instance convicted the 37-year-old Emirati man, K.S., of trying to rape his 25-year-old Spanish workmate shortly after he invited her out for dinner.

Court records said 25-year-old R.C. fought back and foiled his attempt to rape her when she jumped out of his car and walked naked through trees before a Pakistani driver rescued her.

“The accused will have to pay Dh20,100 in temporary compensation to the claimant plus Dh1,000 lawyers’ fees,” said Presiding Judge Maher Salama Al Mahdi on Wednesday.

The Spanish woman lodged a civil lawsuit against K.S. seeking temporary compensation for emotional and psychological damages.

Records said the Pakistani driver spotted the woman standing naked, bleeding and crying at a roadside. He pulled over and handed her clothes to cover her naked body.

The driver dropped R.C. at Al Aweer Roundabout to meet her friend in a taxi.

Prosecutors said K.S. did not take R.C. back to her residence, but instead he drove to a remote desert area near Dubai Bypass Road where he tried to rape her.

According to the charge sheet, the defendant was accused of kidnapping with deception, assault and attempted rape.

“I did not touch or hit her. She was not even in my car,” said K.S. when he defended himself.

R.C. testified that she went to dine with K.S. whom she described as a friend and coworker.

“We dined and drank liquor. I was surprised when he changed the route to a desert area. He took away my phone, then jumped on me. He undressed me and tried to have sex with me but I resisted him. He got upfrom his seat and moved towards mine. He pulled me out and removed my clothes. I pushed him away and ran out naked. I reached the main road and I stopped a truck. The driver gave me clothes to cover up. I phoned my friend to come and rescue me,” R.C. claimed.

The Russian friend confirmed R.C.’s statement and claimed that she picked her up from Al Aweer and took her to the police station.

Wednesday’s judgement remains subject to appeal within 15 days.