Video Used In Court As Evidence

For the first time in UAE judicial history, video evidence from the newly-installed cameras at road intersections was presented in a traffic court case on Monday.

Defendant Francis S. stood charged on Monday with crossing a red light, making an illegal left turn and reckless driving following an accident near the Floating Bridge. The accident took place at the intersection on the Deira side, with the defendant heading from Maktoum Street towards Garhoud.

His sedan crashed into a large bus, causing serious injury to two bus passengers.

He pleaded guilty to the charges but claimed he did not cross the red light.

Due to his earlier denial, public prosecutor Salah Bu Faroosha presented video evidence during the Monday hearing, which clearly showed the defendant's violations.

Bu Faroosha said in his address to court that this case was a perfect example of reckless driving and not following the road signals. He added that last year, 290 deaths were the result of accidents at intersections.

The Dubai government has spent Dh200 million installing cameras at all main intersections.

Bu Faroosha asked the court to order the maximum penalty to the defendant.

The court will issue its verdict on October 22.