Irishman jailed for Dubai taxi romp

A Dubai court has sentenced an Irishman and a British woman to three months in jail for allegedly having sex in the back of a taxi.

The sentence is the latest case of Westerners coming into conflict with the social codes in the United Arab Emirates, which maintains strict laws on sex-related issues although it often turns a blind eye.

Prosecutors accused Rebecca Blake and Conor McRedmond of removing some clothing and fondling each other in a cab in May.

They denied the charges and accused the taxi driver of fabricating the story after a fare dispute.

The judge says the pair will be deported after serving their sentences, which they can appeal.

In 2008, a British couple received a three-month sentence after being charged with having sex on a Dubai beach.