Monday, February 13 2012

Middle East

Kiss on a beach lands couple three months in Dubai prison

By Andy McSmith in Dubai

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

 
 
Comments that are judged to be defamatory, abusive or tasteless will not be approved and contributors who consistently fall below these criteria will be permanently blacklisted. Comments should be concise and to the point. The moderator will not enter into debate with individual contributors and the moderator's decision is final.
blog comments powered by Disqus


World News Video

(video)

Athens burns as politicians vote

The historic vote paves the way for Greece's European partners and the International Monetary Fund to release 170 billion euro in new rescue loans, without which Greece would default on its mountain of debt next month and likely leave the eurozone - a scenario that would further unsettle global markets. Politicians voted 199-74 in favour of the cutbacks, despite strong dissent among the two main coalition members.

(video)

Whitney Houston dead at 48

Singer and actress Whitney Houston has been found dead in a hotel room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

(video)

Eight held in corruption probe

Five men aged between 45 and 68 were arrested at addresses in London, Kent and Essex on suspicion of corruption, aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office, and conspiracy in relation to both these offences. They are being questioned at police stations in London and Kent.

View more

Highlights

Independentwoman.ie

Independent Woman

A fresh, fun site featuring celeb gossip, fashion, beauty, love & sex, and health & fitness.

Findajob.ie

Job search

Search for jobs by keyword, category, or location.

Globrix.ie

Property

Buy. Rent. Know. The most powerful property search engine.

Yourlocal.ie

Directory

Wherever you are... Find what you're looking for on Yourlocal.ie.

GrabOne

GrabOne

Daily Deals: Find the best things to do, see and eat in Ireland