Policeman jailed for crashing into child with jet ski

A policeman has been sentenced to a year in prison after he left a 10-year-old boy scarred for life when he smashed into him in a jet ski hit-and-run.

The 23-year-old Emirati officer was off duty while riding the machine at Al Mamzar when the accident happened in June 2011.

Yesterday, Dubai Court of First Instance handed down the sentence after finding him guilty of wrongly causing serious injuries.

Prosecutors said his victim has been left with 20 per cent disability as a result of the serious facial injuries he suffered.

The incident happened when the boy, Daniel Clamens, was enjoying a day out on the water with a friend. The boys were riding on a banana boat when they were thrown into the sea. The boat pulling the boys was being steered by the father of Daniel’s friend, a 46-year-old Dutch pilot.

He said: “The banana flipped over and my son and his friend went into the water. I saw a jet ski speeding towards us and it crashed into Daniel’s head. My son started yelling.”

The father pulled Daniel to safety and called an ambulance.

He added: “The defendant came near us and when he saw the blood he covered his face with his hands then sped off.”

One side of Daniel’s face was ripped open in the crash and he’s had several operations to repair the damage in one eye and save his sight in it.

The jetskier was arrested a week after the incident but denied being involved.

“I saw police patrols but didn’t cross the water and I didn’t hit anybody,” he said. “I have been riding a jet ski for three years and I’m a good rider.”

The Dutch father was acquitted of causing injury. However, both defendants were fined Dhs10,000 for using unlicensed vehicles on the water.

The jetskier was also ordered to pay Dhs21,000 in compensation and the case was referred to the civil court.

Following the verdict, Lt Col Abdullah Mohammed Al Mazyoud, head of Ports Police Station, said: “Jetskiers should have lessons, register their vehicle, wear a life jacket and drive in designated areas.”