Inmate sets himself on fire in cell

A prisoner tried to take his own life because he had not been allowed to go to the toilet for 10 days, a Dubai court heard.

The Emirati man, who said he suffers from schizophrenia, went on trial yesterday for attempting to commit suicide in his cell at Al Qusais Detention Centre.

He was also charged with endangering lives and damaging public property. He pleaded not guilty to the charges because he said he cannot remember what happened due to his disorder.

The 31-year-old father of five told Dubai Court of First Instance: “For ten days I wasn’t allowed to go to the toilet. I’m a sick person and have schizophrenia.”

An Emirati policeman wor­king at the centre told the court: “There was fire coming from his cell so I took an extinguisher to put it out.

“He had been alone in the cell and used a cigarette lighter to set his clothes and blankets on fire. He told me that he wanted to end his life.”

The defendant presented a document from doctors explaining his psychological problems and also pleaded with the judge to be bailed.

“I want bail because I have been in jail since 2010. I’m responsible for four dau­ghters, a son and their mother,” he said.

“I used to have 16 fuses in my brain and now there is only one left, so please your honour, don’t spark it, give me bail.”

The defendant was refused bail and remains in custody.

The case was adjourned.

ali.shouk@7days.ae