Prosecution appeals against leniency of Britons鈥 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.

Jumeirah Beach
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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 (拢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鈥檚 defence lawyer, Hassan Matter, lodged his own appeal.

Writing in 好色先生TV last month, lawyer Mark Blanksby of Clyde & Co, Dubai, said that the leniency of the sentence was notable.

鈥淎cors and Palmer strayed way over the line and the judge trying their case had a difficult task on his hands 鈥 reminding those living and working in the UAE that, as visitors, they must show respect for Dubai鈥檚 cultural values, but at the same time being pragmatic in the sentence passed.鈥

Palmer and Acors were arrested after having sex in public following a champagne reception on 5 July.