A 50-year-old man in Manama has been sentenced to three years in prison for attempting to set fire to a car. The incident, which occurred on March 30, 2024, saw the man mistakenly set fire to a different vehicle, which was discovered by the victim engulfed in flames. The defendant was identified through security cameras and a glove found at the scene, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial at the High Criminal Court.
The court found the defendant guilty of arson and possession of cannabis, taking into consideration his confession during the investigation, his history of drug use, and his mental health condition. The victim, who immediately called the police upon discovering his car on fire, was able to identify the perpetrator through security footage from his home, showing a man driving a specific car and wearing a glove.
A witness further corroborated the victim’s account by recalling an encounter with the defendant earlier that day, during which the defendant had inquired about the whereabouts of a specific individual. Later that evening, the witness learned that the same man had set fire to the victim’s car, leading to the defendant’s confession and identification in a photo lineup conducted by the police.
The report issued by the Directorate of Civil Defense confirmed that the fire was intentionally set, and a psychiatric evaluation also determined that the defendant was responsible for his actions. Additionally, drug tests revealed the presence of cannabis in his system, further supporting the prosecution’s case against him.
Despite arguments for leniency from the defendant’s lawyer, Reem Al Mahari, citing his mental health condition, drug addiction, and lack of criminal history, the court ultimately sentenced him to three years in prison for the arson attempt, as well as an additional penalty for possession of cannabis. The defense emphasized that the defendant was a retired individual and the sole provider for his family, highlighting the potential hardships that continued imprisonment would impose on him and his loved ones.
In conclusion, the case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of criminal actions, even in cases where mental health and addiction issues may be present. The court’s decision to hand down a three-year prison sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s actions and the need for accountability in such instances. Moving forward, efforts to address mental health and addiction issues in the justice system may help prevent similar incidents and provide support for individuals in need of assistance.
