Dubai Editor Has Pleaded With The Court To Change The Charges Against Him

The British man on trial for murdering his wife has requested the charge be changed from premeditated murder to assault, which lead to his wife’s death.

This would mean his sentence would be a maximum of seven years.

Francis Matthew, the former editor-at-large for Gulf News is accused of the premeditated murder of his 62-year-old wife Jane at their Jumeirah villa in July, 2017 and is now standing trial at the Dubai Court of First Instance.

Matthew had previously pleaded not guilty.

“He hit his wife but did not intend to kill her” 

“The forensic report also proved that there was no prior intention or any determination to kill the victim. My client assaulted his wife and it happened following a heated argument over some financial difficulties. He hit his wife but did not intend to kill her,” stated Ali Al Shamsi who is defending Matthew at trial, according to the Khaleej Times.

The court also witnessed a waiver signed by the couple’s son, who stated he did not wish to take a case against his father.

A verdict is expected on March 25.