Sex-on-beach couple say innocence proven

A British woman who avoided a jail term after being convicted of having sex on a Dubai beach said a ruling made today “proves our innocence”.

Michelle Palmer (aged 36), of Oakham, Rutland, was speaking after a judge quashed their three-month jail sentences.

Along with Vince Acors (aged 34), of Bromley, south east London, she successfully appealed against the conviction at a Dubai court.

Speaking afterwards she said: “I’m not saying anything. It just proves our innocence after all the bad stuff that was written. That’s it.”

The pair will now be deported and ordered to pay a fine of about €200.

Palmer and Acors were handed the jail sentences last month after being convicted of public indecency and having unmarried sex. A police officer told the trial that he saw them having sex on Jumeirah Beach.

They were arrested in the early hours of July 5 after meeting at a champagne brunch at a five-star hotel on the emirate.

Palmer had been working in Dubai as a publishing executive but was sacked after the allegations emerged. Acors had been visiting the country at the time of their arrest.

It is not yet known when they will return to the UK.