DUBAI// A murderer given a life sentence for kidnapping and killing a prostitute has asked to be released early for good behaviour.

In 2001, the 59-year-old killer from Uzbekistan was hired by a 40-year-old man from Turkmenistan to kidnap the 24-year-old victim in return for US$300 (Dh1,100).

Court records show that the Turkmen ran a prostitution ring and brought the victim, a compatriot, to Dubai in February 2001 to work as a prostitute. One month later, the woman escaped and took shelter in an apartment of a friend.

The killer found out where she was living and fought when he tried to kidnap her. In the fight the woman’s neck was broken, killing her instantly.

The man then threw her body off a seventh floor balcony to make it look like a suicide before fleeing.

He was arrested shortly after along with the man who hired him along with the woman in whose apartment the victim was hiding.

All three were charged with premeditated murder. The Uzbek and the Turkmen were additionally charged with kidnap while the Turkmen was also charged with running a prostitution ring.

Charges against the victim’s friend were dismissed.

In February 2002, the two men were convicted of all charges and sentenced to life in jail by Dubai Criminal Court.

The Turkmen was handed an extra five years for running a brothel.

On Thursday, the Uzbek applied for early release after obtaining a good behaviour certificate from authorities.

A verdict is expected on May 19.

salamir@thenational.ae