Court Orders Man to Pay Dh90,000 Over Threats and Reckless Conduct

A man has been ordered to pay Dh40,000 in compensation to a woman after a civil court found that his unlawful actions — including insults, threats, defamation and reckless conduct that endangered her safety — caused her psychological and financial harm.

The ruling by the Al Ain Court of Civil, Commercial and Administrative Claims came after a separate criminal case in which the defendant was fined Dh50,000 for the same offences. With the civil compensation added, the total financial penalty imposed on him has reached Dh90,000.

The woman filed a civil claim seeking Dh40,000 in damages for the psychological, moral and material harm she said resulted from the defendant’s actions. She also requested legal interest and reimbursement of court fees and expenses.

The defendant threatened and insulted the claimant and defamed her through information technology platforms. He was further accused of recklessly intercepting her path in a manner that nearly endangered her life and of deliberately damaging her vehicle.

The claimant told the court that the incidents left her suffering from fear, anxiety and emotional distress, in addition to the material damage to her car.

In parallel criminal proceedings, the man was convicted and fined Dh50,000. The judgment was upheld on appeal, and a further challenge before the Court of Cassation was rejected, making the criminal ruling final.

Before the civil court, the defendant sought to have the case referred for investigation, claiming there was a reciprocal relationship between him and the claimant. He also alleged that she owed him money and asked the court to dismiss the case.

The court rejected these arguments, noting that a final criminal judgment has binding authority in related civil proceedings involving the same facts. It held that the defendant’s guilt had been conclusively established and could not be reconsidered.

Finding that the elements of civil liability — fault, damage and causation — were satisfied, the court ruled that the woman’s psychological suffering and the damage to her vehicle were the direct result of the defendant’s proven conduct.

The court accordingly ordered the man to pay Dh40,000 in compensation, along with court fees and expenses, while dismissing all other claims.

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