Prosecution appeals against leniency of Britons’ three-month prison sentence
The UK couple jailed for three months for having sex on Jumeirah Beach in Dubai could facer a longer prison sentence, their lawyer has warned.
Michelle Palmer, 36, of Oakham, Rutland, and Vince Acors, 34, of Bromley, south-east London, were given the sentence earlier this month and fined 1,000 dirhams (£155).
But the prosecution has protested that the sentence is not long enough, and the pair face an anxious wait to hear if the judge will increase their jail term.
The appeal for the prosecution will be heard on 11 November. Last week, the pair’s defence lawyer, Hassan Matter, lodged his own appeal.
Writing in Building last month, lawyer Mark Blanksby of Clyde & Co, Dubai, said that the leniency of the sentence was notable.
“Acors and Palmer strayed way over the line and the judge trying their case had a difficult task on his hands – reminding those living and working in the UAE that, as visitors, they must show respect for Dubai’s cultural values, but at the same time being pragmatic in the sentence passed.”
Palmer and Acors were arrested after having sex in public following a champagne reception on 5 July.
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