'Sex on beach' couple begin appeal

A British couple who had sex on a Dubai beach appeared in court today to begin an appeal against their conviction.

A British couple who had sex on a Dubai beach will find out if their appeal has been successful next week, their lawyer said today.

Michelle Palmer, 36, of Oakham, Rutland, and 34-year-old Vince Acors, of Bromley, south-east London, were sentenced to three months in jail and issued with deportation orders last month.

Hassan Matter, who is representing the pair, outlined their case at the Dubai Court of Appeal today.

Prosecutors, who are calling for the sentence to be increased, also made their argument.

The pair were arrested in the early hours of July 5 after being seen by a police officer having sex on Jumeirah Beach. They had met earlier at a champagne brunch at a five-star hotel on the emirate.

Last month, Palmer and Acors were sentenced to three months in jail, issued with deportation orders and fined 1,000 dirhams (€184).

Prosecutors are appealing against the sentence imposed, saying it was “very light”.

Matter said a judge will make a decision on the appeal next Tuesday.