Britons get jail time for sex on beach in Dubai

Friday 17th October, 05:30 AM JST

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates —

A British couple charged with having sex on the beach were sentenced to three months in jail Thursday in a case that has caused controversy in this Gulf boom town.

The judge did not provide any details about his verdict, as is customary in Dubai, so it is unclear whether Michelle Palmer and Vince Acors were found guilty of engaging in intercourse, or some lesser offense.

The two Britons, who are both in their 30s and met at an all-you-can-drink champagne brunch before the alleged incident occurred, were arrested in July and later charged with sex outside of marriage, public indecency and drunkenness.

In addition to the three-month jail sentence, Judge Hamdi Mustafa Abu el-Khair levied a 1,000 dirham ($272) fine against each of the defendants and ordered them to be deported from Dubai after serving their prison time.

“I will appeal the verdict and ask a judge to look at the medical report that says they did not have sex,” their lawyer, Hassan Matter, told The Associated Press after Thursday’s ruling.

Both previously admitted they were drunk but denied having sex. The two were not in the courtroom Thursday to hear the judge’s verdict, and it was unclear if they would remain out of prison while their lawyer appealed the case.

Matter said he will submit his appeal after the judge issues a formal explanation of his verdict, which the lawyer expects in a week to 10 days. The defense has to file an appeal within 15 days.

“I think the judge gave a small punishment for a kiss, not sex on the beach,” said Matter.

The couple could have received two years in prison if convicted of all charges.

Public displays of affection are illegal in Dubai—a city that has worked hard to cultivate an image as a haven for Western tourists and businesses in the Middle East but has a conservative legal code based on Islamic laws and tribal rules.

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Latest 15 of 24 Total Comments Show All

sdmsec at 11:16 AM JST - 17th October

I wonder if they'll find taht sex in jail is better than on the beach.
bushlover at 11:43 AM JST - 17th October

Imagine if they had peed on a koran!! heads off!!
elbudamexicano at 01:17 PM JST - 17th October

The hell with crappy place like DUBAI! Come to Mexico, Cuba have SEX ON THE BEACH 24 hours a DAY 7 DAYS a week! In Latin countries if you do not have sex, everybody will laugh at you and call you a sissy!
CavemanLawyer at 01:19 PM JST - 17th October

Many stories like this. Visit Islamic countries at your own risk.

Oh please! Everyplace has some dumb restrictions. Here in Japan I can walk down the street drinking a beer, or even toss back a few in a public park. Can't do that back home. In fact, breast feed a baby back home at the mother's own risk.

But sex on the beach can get anyone arrested and jailed anywhere. So can public nudity.

Sorry to rain on your scaremonger parade of hate. --Cirroc
coulrophobic at 01:26 PM JST - 17th October

"In addition to the three-month jail sentence, Judge Hamdi Mustafa Abu el-Khair levied a 1,000 dirham ($272) fine against each of the defendants and ordered them to be deported from Dubai after serving their prison time."

British? I reckon they'll appeal until they are awarded a good caning.
Altria at 01:35 PM JST - 17th October

Brits getting plastered and shagging in public is nothing new - just look at their pub scene or Ibiza.

But these two are not only in their 30s, this happened after a BRUNCH!
Everton2 at 02:33 PM JST - 17th October

The Brits are known for their lousy behavior abroad. Their soccer fans are a case in point. Although it is given a low priority in Australia it still happens and most of those who are caught tend to be British backpackers.
Azrael at 02:50 PM JST - 17th October

Indeed, public nudity and sex on the beach can get anyone arrested anywhere - including Latin America and the Caribbean (despite the fantasies of some earlier poster). Yet I think the punishment is harsh, I think it's only adequate they got arrested and prosecuted. They found what they were looking for.
Helter_Skelter at 04:18 PM JST - 17th October

Soldave

Surely you visit everywhere at your own risk?

Certainly you'd agree that some countries are riskier to visit than others? Or does this conflict with your socialist world view, that all countries are the same and it's simply fear mongering to say otherwise.

Anyway, I'd never visit an Islamic nation. I encourage the same for all "Infidels".
Nessie at 05:24 PM JST - 17th October

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. What happens in Dubai makes you stay in Dubai.
WilliB at 11:19 PM JST - 17th October

soldave:

" Helter Skelter - nothing like a bit of scaremongering there! Islamic countries are evil... "

"Evil" is in the eye of the beholder. If you like to live under Shariah or Shariah-inspired laws, go for it. Hey, if you like polygamy, wife-beating, and instant divorce, you´ll enjoy it.
Sarge at 12:39 AM JST - 18th October

"all-you-can-drink champagne brunch"

Sounds great!
bushlover at 01:41 AM JST - 18th October

Shaggin an drunken overweight Brit on the beach? Sounds like a nightmare.
coulrophobic at 01:55 AM JST - 18th October

Better the beaches of Dubai than main street Osaka or Tokyo.

Throw the book at 'em.

Set an example.

I have Birtish friends but seriously, the entire UK took a wrong turn there sometime in the 80's.
elbudamexicano at 12:03 AM JST - 20th October

Sex on the beach can be very painful! All of that sand! Why do it there?