A restaurant owner has been charged with raping a former employee when she asked for her job back, Dubai Criminal Court has heard.

The Algerian woman said the man, from Afghanistan, forced himself on her late at night in his office at the premises.

The woman had returned to the restaurant in May this year after losing her previous job because of residency issues.

But after the accused agreed to take her back, he led her to his office and locked the door.

“I met the 47-year-old Afghan businessman inside the restaurant and he offered me the job for Dh2,000,” the woman told the court.

“I was at his office to sign my contract. He then started touching my body in an inappropriate manner.

“I begged him to open the door but he refused and threatened to kill me.

“I kept yelling and pushed him away but my efforts were not successful in stopping him.

“Then when he was done he gave me some cash, promised to marry me and asked me not to report the incident to police.”

The terrified victim retuned home in shock. She later alerted authorities.

During police questioning, the accused claimed he was being framed. A verdict is expected on September 25.