Irishman jailed in Dubai over sex claim

An Irishman and a British woman accused of engaging in sexual activities in a Dubai taxi have been sentenced to three months in prison and then deportation, their lawyer said.

The case is the latest in which Westerners have fallen foul of the United Arab Emirates’ decency laws, highlighting cultural differences as the UAE seeks a balance between maintaining its Muslim identity and catering for a vibrant tourism industry.

Conor McRedmond, 28, from Tullamore, Co Offaly, and Rebecca Blake, 29, of Dorking, Surrey, both denied charges of “breach of honour with consent” and committing “an indecent act in a taxi” when they appeared in court last month.