I quit drugs…you reduce sentence: judge told

A drug addict who was sentenced for 29 years in jail after he was convicted of possessing narcotics in Abu Dhabi decided to act as his own defence lawyer by offering to give up drugs if the verdict is reduced.

The unidentified defendant told the judge that he believed a previous court in the capital had overplayed the case when it sentenced him to 29 years in prison on the grounds he only possessed a small amount of hashish for his personal use rather than dealing.

The defendant also revealed that a police undercover who had led to his arrest was his previous friend and that they had drugs together for 11 years.

“The defendant promised the judge in an appeals court that he would give up drugs if the sentence is reduced, saying that 29 years jail period is exaggerated compared to the small quantity seized,” Albayan daily said.

It did not elaborate on the judge’s response but said hearings were adjourned to February 7 for sentence.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.