World

Dubai beach sex couple have prison sentences suspended

by Sanjay Jha | November 25, 2008 at 02:04 am

761 views | 2 Recommendations | 4 comments

The British pair undergoing trial for sex outside of marriage, drunkenness and public indecency in Dubai have got a reprieve in their prison sentences. They have escaped the jail sentence and are going to be deported. Michelle Palmer, 36, of Oakham, Rutland, and Vince Acors, 34, of Bromley, south-east London, had appealed against their convictions. The couple had appealed against their sentence.

The couple were caught on Jumeirah Beach on 5 July and fined £170 and sentenced to three months in prison in October.

Michelle Palmer, 36, of Rutland, and Vince Acors, 34, from Bromley, south-east London, had their appeal granted at the court of appeal in Dubai city.

The pair, who were on bail, have been ordered to pay a fine of £170, according to Acors' solicitor in London.

Hassan Matter, who represented the couple in court, said: "The judge has cancelled the jail. He refused the prosecution appeal [for the sentences to be increased]. They are free. It's wonderful.

"The judge gave us a good hearing because he has a good heart and a good brain. He understood everything."

Andrew Crossley, who is representing Acors, said it was not clear whether the judge had overturned their convictions.

"They don't announce the reasons for their decision," he said.

He said Acors and Palmer were very happy, but still coming to terms with the decision.

"Vince says it hasn't sunk in yet. They are both chuffed. Vince can't believe it." It is not yet known when Palmer and Acors will return to the UK.

This case has highlighted the plight of the strict modesty rules applied in Islamic nation of the United Arab Emirates, despite Dubai's recent boom as a western tourist haven and all out efforts to attract western investment.

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon