Reduced jail term for man in fatal beating of son

Dubai - Court of Appeals reduces 37-year-old Nigerian defendant has to serve only 3 years instead of 10 years

A man, who was convicted of beating his son and causing his death, has had his jail sentence reduced from 10 to three years by the Court of Appeals.
The 37-year-old Nigerian man earlier denied the charge before the court. He claimed during the investigation he only wanted his 12-year-old son to perform well at school.
The forensic expert ruled the death was caused by severe internal bleeding and damage in the victim's intestines.
"Other injury marks were found on his body which could result from kicking and punching."
The expert also reported about fractured ribs in the boy's chest. The boy was rushed to hospital in Al Qusais around midnight on April 18, 2015.
A police lieutenant quoted the father as saying that his boy became ill after drinking some milk.
"He said that he rushed the boy to hospital after he started to vomit and complained of stomach pain."
The boy's private tutor testified that she informed the school's administration about her doubts that the defendant was physically abusing his son.
"I learnt later that the accused justified it by saying that he wanted his son to be a distinguished student."
She said that she asked the boy about the bruises on his face and arm.
"He confided to me that his father had beaten him. At first he claimed it was caused by a fall."
The Indian security guard of the building where the family stayed said that he once saw the man forcing his son's head under the water in the building swimming pool.
"He told me he was teaching him how to swim."
A report on the defendant's mental health concluded he was sane and aware of his behaviour at the time of the incident.
The ruling may still be challenged at the Court of Cassation.
mary@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai