Kiss on a beach lands couple three months in Dubai prison
Friday October 17 2008
Two Britons accused of drunken sex on a public beach in Dubai this summer have been sentenced to three months in prison.
Vince Acors and Michelle Palmer are free on bail in Dubai, but are banned from leaving the country. They are preparing an appeal that they hope will keep them out of prison.
The pair have admitted to being drunk, and to kissing in public -- both offences that could have landed them in trouble. They have denied the more serious charge that they were having sexual intercourse.
Given the strictness of the law against sex between unmarried couples, it appeared that the court accepted their story.
"The verdict shows that the judge was convinced they did not have sexual intercourse but he punished them for the indecent act of kissing," defence lawyer Hassan Mattar said.
"They haven't been arrested and taken into custody yet. I have 15 days to appeal. I have to find the reason why the judge gave three months. They are innocent." (© Independent News Service)
- Andy McSmith in Dubai
