Dubai: A British suspect has denied endangering the life of a neighbour of Kerry Winter who, according to records, witnessed the South African expatriate lying unconscious and bleeding after she was beaten outside her residence in Al Barsha.

The 42-year-old Briton, M.A., denied endangering the life of 25-year-old Lebanese national Z.T., who lives in the same villa as Winter and allegedly heard her cries for help when she was reportedly being beaten by M.A., when he appeared before the Dubai Court of Misdemeanours.

Sami Al Shamsi, Head of Bur Dubai Public Prosecution, earlier said M.A. had not confessed to premeditatedly killing 35-year-old Winter, whose body hasn't been found yet since she went missing from her residence on August 20.

"I didn't have any intention when I thrust the stick into his face," replied M.A. when he pleaded not guilty on Tuesday.

Delayed report

The Public Prosecution charged M.A. with endangering Z.T.'s life by swinging at him with a stick and stated that M.A. chased Z.T., who managed to retreat into his room.

Records said the incident happened on August 20. Z.T. reported the attack to the police on August 27.

Z.T. testified: "I heard someone's cry for help. When I looked outside, I noticed Winter on the ground unconscious and bleeding. Seconds later the suspect attacked me with the stick; I evaded the blow but he chased me to my room."

When questioned by the Public Prosecution, M.A. said he met Kerry in the front yard and had a heated argument with her.

"I hit her on the head and nose with a stick and pushed her before she fell to the ground. Two or three neighbours saw me; I shouted at them - I don't remember what I said - and then I left the place. I got angry because she [Winter] cursed me."