DUBAI // A man sentenced to ten years in jail for raping a maid had his sentence reduced to two years and two months by the Appeals Court today, after it ruled the sex was consensual.
The maid claimed that AM, 28, stateless and unemployed, had broken into her sponsor's villa on September 20, 2011 and raped her. She said he was wearing a mask and threatened her with a knife, so she gave in to his demands out of fear. She also claimed he stole her mobile phone before leaving.
Traces of his DNA were found in the maid's room.
The Criminal Court found him guilty on charges of rape, theft, trespassing and illegally consuming alcohol, but the Appeals Court overturned the rape and theft charge, sentencing him instead to two years for consensual sex and two months for trespassing and consuming alcohol. He was acquitted of theft.
He will be deported after completing his prison term.
salamir@thenational.ae
