UAE Royal Mahrah Al Nahyan Convicted of Child Neglect After Cocaine Collapse in London
Abu Dhabi royal family member Mahrah Al Nahyan pleaded guilty to child neglect at Southwark Crown Court after being found unconscious in west London.
Abu Dhabi royal admits child neglect after cocaine collapse in west London
Mahrah Al Nahyan, a 32-year-old member of the Abu Dhabi royal family by marriage, pleaded guilty to one count of child neglect at London's Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, ndtv.com reports.
Al Nahyan was found unconscious on a street in west London in June after consuming cocaine, while a three-year-old child played barefoot near moving traffic without supervision. A man was also found passed out beside her.
When police arrived, they discovered drug paraphernalia near Al Nahyan but no illegal substances. Upon regaining consciousness, she reportedly said: "This is not a slaughterhouse, why do you care so much? Why are you so worried?"
The Al Nahyan family governs Abu Dhabi, the largest of the UAE's seven emirates, and is estimated to be worth around $300 billion, making it one of the wealthiest dynasties in the world. Court proceedings revealed that Mahrah Al Nahyan receives a monthly allowance of 8,000 euros.
Al Nahyan's relationship to the toddler was not disclosed to the media. The child was cared for by passersby until police arrived at the scene.
Her defence lawyer, Stephen Vullo, told the court that Al Nahyan had shown "significant remorse and resolve to overcome her addiction." He confirmed she had admitted to taking cocaine in the days leading up to the incident.
Since the June incident, Al Nahyan has been receiving treatment for drug addiction at the Priory clinic in Woking, Surrey. Her lawyers stated she intends to complete a three-month rehabilitation programme, which concludes this month. She also plans to rent accommodation near the clinic and continue as a day patient, attending Narcotics Anonymous sessions after the programme ends.
Southwark Crown Court sentenced Al Nahyan to a two-year community order with a rehabilitation requirement. The judge also imposed a fine of $8,000.
Source: Google News AE