Abu Dhabi Royal Convicted in London Court Over Child Neglect
A 32-year-old member of the Abu Dhabi royal family was convicted in London of child neglect after passing out on a street from cocaine use while leaving a toddler unattended.
Abu Dhabi Royal Convicted in London Over Child Neglect
Mahrah Al Nahyan, a 32-year-old member of the Abu Dhabi ruling royal family, has been convicted by a British court of child neglect. According to reports in the British media, Al Nahyan was filmed passed out on a busy street in west London following a cocaine binge, with an unconscious man lying on the pavement beside her.
The British court sentenced her to a two-year community rehabilitation order, a fine of 5,000 pounds, and court costs. The judge emphasized during the hearing the severe and real risk posed to the child: "Without the intervention of strangers, the child was at real risk of being seriously injured or worse. By leaving the child barefoot in the street while under the influence of cocaine, you demonstrated a disregard for his safety." Her defense attorney stated that she has been undergoing rehabilitation treatment since the incident and expressed deep remorse for her actions.
Court Details and Defense Arguments
The prosecutor in the case noted that bystanders noticed the toddler unattended, shoeless, and playing near a busy road. According to the prosecutor, when Al Nahyan was awakened, she shouted: "This is not a slaughterhouse, why do you care so much? Why are you so worried?" Another report indicated that a police search of her person yielded drug paraphernalia, though no illegal substances were found.
The 32-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of child neglect. Her lawyer argued that she did not use drugs on the day of the offense, but was extremely exhausted after consuming cocaine in the preceding days. The defense noted she is completing a rehabilitation program and plans to continue outpatient treatment and attend support groups. Al Nahyan belongs to the Abu Dhabi ruling family, one of the wealthiest royal dynasties globally, with an estimated fortune of 250 billion pounds.
