DUBAI // A 20-year-old man is accused of luring a taxi driver into his apartment to get his fare, then assaulting himwith a knife and stealing his income for the day.
The defendant, YB, from Morocco, was charged in the Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance with forceful theft. He denied the charges.
According to records, YB took a taxi from Al Riqqa Road opposite Dream Land Hotel about 1.30am on the October 4, 2010.
He ordered the taxi driver, AH, 55, to take him to International City, but told him on the way that he did not have money to pay him and will call his room mate to meet them under the building with the money, records show.
The victim AH said in his testimony in court records that YB made a phone call but no one answered.
AH added that YB told him to accompany him to the apartment so he could get the money, but advised him to take all his income from that day in case someone broke into the taxi, records show.
The two went into a building and when they were near the open door of an empty studio flat, YB allegedly pushed the driver inside, locked the door and threatened him with a knife, prosecutors said.
YB ordered him to hand over all his money and two mobile phones, then attacked him.
AH said the incident left him with minor injuries to his right hand and neck.
During the investigation, YB said the driver wanted to have sex with him and when he refused, a fight broke out.
The next hearing was scheduled for March 28.
salamir@thenational.ae
