Bahraini Man Acquitted in Aluminium Theft Case After Aiding Neighbour

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

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A Bahraini man has been acquitted of charges of theft after a court ruled there was insufficient evidence to link him to the crime. The man, who was the rider of a motorbike, was accused of participating in the theft of aluminium scraps.

According to the lawyer, Dr Mohmmed Al Kooheji, his client was accused by the prosecution of attempting theft alongside another individual. The attempt failed due to unforeseen circumstances – their actions being witnessed before the crime could be completed.

The client, he explained, was riding his motorbike when the other man, the primary accused, asked for a lift. The client obliged, dropping the other man off at the end of the street. It was only then that the client noticed the other man collecting discarded, dirty aluminum pieces from the roadside. Moments later, a person appeared and filmed them, leading to the theft accusation.

Dr Al Kooheji argued that the elements of the crime were not present. Investigations, he stated, revealed no information implicating his client, and there were no fingerprints on the aluminum pieces linking him to the theft. Furthermore, the primary accused admitted to attempting to take the aluminum himself. The lawyer also argued the implausibility of the situation.

The court noted that the accused maintained his innocence, stating that his only involvement was giving his neighbour a ride and that he was unaware of the theft. He was on his way to collect his son from a place.

The court also highlighted the primary accused's statement confirming the second accused's role was limited to providing a ride and had no involvement in the theft. The primary accused stated he had spotted the aluminum in front of a house and decided to take it, as he works in scrap metal.

The court acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the incident and found the evidence insufficient to convict the second accused. His role was solely to give the primary accused a ride after being asked for help. This lack of involvement in the planning or execution of the theft led the court to acquit him. The primary accused, however, received a three-month prison sentence.