Dubai // A student from Saudi Arabia has been acquitted of causing the death of a drunk British tourist.
Briton MK, 38, got into a cab in Dubai Marina at about 3am in July, Dubai Court of Misdemeanours heard. "He told me to go to Marina but he was so drunk and unaware of where he was staying he could not tell me where exactly to go," said the Nepali driver, TA, 27.
When TA pulled over to determine where the Briton was staying, MK got out of the cab and ran away and was chased by TA.
The tourist ran into AB, an 18-year-old Saudi student. The cab driver said the student pushed the tourist away and he fell to the ground motionless.
"The student was walking when MK suddenly hit him and he just pushed him away, he did not assault him," said TA.
MK was still unconscious when police arrived at the scene and was taken to hospital where he died soon after.
"I was walking near Marina Mall heading to my hotel when the man suddenly appeared next to me and [swore at] me," said the student.
"He hit me on the chest with his hand but I did not assault him. I just tried to stop him from assaulting me and suddenly he fell."
Forensics reports found the Briton died of a brain haemorrhage after he hit his head on the pavement.
[ salamir@thenational.ae ]
