Concrete slab used in murder, court told

DUBAI // A labourer dropped a concrete slab on a workmate's head while he slept after the two quarrelled during a heavy drinking session, a court heard yesterday.

GN, a 40-year-old Indian, pleaded not guilty to the premeditated murder of his compatriot Doshinda Bhamish Ghangeesh. He claimed that, after the incident, Ghangeesh woke up and the two men walked to a petrol station where the victim collapsed and died, Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance was told.

The incident took place on February 25 in a sports hall in the Al Quoz industrial area.

Police officers told prosecutors they responded to a murder report in Al Quoz on February 26. Police arrested GN the next day, after witnesses described him.

According to First Lieutenant Hassan Abdullah of the Bur Dubai Police Station, GN confessed to the crime and said he and Ghangeesh had started arguing while drinking at the sports hall.

"He said the victim beat him and abused him verbally, then lay down for a nap. GN then picked up a concrete slab and smashed it in onto his head and face," said the officer.

The trial was adjourned to November 28.

amustafa@thenational.ae