Motorist appeals against Dh30,000 fine for driving under influence

Abu Dhabi - Prosecutors said the man had consumed tramadol without a doctor's prescription

A motorist who was convicted over reckless driving and driving under the influence of drugs has appealed the Dh30,000 fine ordered by a court in the Capital.
Official court documents stated that the Emirati man was stopped by cops on one of the Abu Dhabi roads after he was spotted driving recklessly. When police checked his urine sample, he tested positive for drugs.
Prosecutors said the man had consumed tramadol without a doctor's prescription.
The Abu Dhabi Criminal Court of First Instance had fined him Dh10,000 for consuming tramadol and another Dh20,000 for reckless driving and driving under the influence of drugs. The man, however, challenged the verdict in the appellate court.
During a hearing on Sunday, he admitted to using tramadol but denied he was driving when the police caught him. "Police found me in the Khalidiya area when I had parked my car," the accused told the court. "I wasn't driving at that time."
The man pleaded to the judge to be lenient on him and give him a lighter sentence.
The trial has been adjourned to March 12.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai