Knifepoint robbery man loses final plea

TDT | Manama

A Bahraini man, who was previously sentenced to jail for armed robbery, kidnapping and assault, had his final appeal rejected yesterday by the Court of Cassation. This is the second appeal filed by the defendant against the seven-year prison sentence issued against him by a first degree court.

He was also ordered by the same court to pay BD500 as temporary civil compensation and to bear all expenses related to the case. The armed robbery occurred on February 21, 2017, at the Gold Suq in Central Manama. Court files showed that the defendant had bought a gold set worth BD1,180 from a shop the day before and returned to the same shop on the day of the crime to buy another set worth BD785.

However, the culprit asked the salesman to accompany him to his car, claiming that he had kept his money in it. The unknowing salesman brought the gold set and accompanied the man to his car, but while the salesman counted the amount, the defendant suddenly started driving and held the salesman at knifepoint inside the car.

Evidence presented to the court proved that the defendant had physically assaulted the salesman, dropped him in Salmaniya area, and drove away with the gold set. The victim reported the matter to the police and a manhunt was launched to nab the perpetrator. An intensified investigation led to the man a few days after the incident occurred.

He was referred to the Public Prosecution for interrogation. The prosecution charged him with armed robbery, kidnapping and assault, before referring him to the criminal court. He previously appealed against the verdict to the Supreme Court of Appeal, which rejected his plea and upheld the punishment.