When in Rome, do as the Romans, or so they say. An unwed British couple caught allegedly having sex on the beach in Dubai have been charged and sentenced to prison. The reason for their jail time was not provided.
Michelle Palmer and Vince Acors, both 30-years-old, were arrested and charged back in July on several charges including sex outside of marriage. The events that led up to their arrest were seemingly innocent, at least for those in just about any other country.
The two had apparently met at an "all-you-can-drink champagne brunch" at a
Dubai hotel. After the unlimited libations, the group moved it to a nearby club and continued their private party. However, friends told the
Telegraph that the two had been arguing and then eventually, several of them were kicked out of the club. They took their party to yet another club in Dubai.
Friends said in the report that "Michelle was in tears at the bar, because Vince was 'being nasty' to her," and that:
...it is alleged that later that evening the pair were found in a compromising position on the beach by a passing policeman.
He reportedly let them off with a caution but, when they were discovered in the same position shortly afterwards, they were arrested.
Miss Palmer is then said to have become aggressive toward the policeman.
The two were provided with Consular assistance at the time and were reported to have gotten married in order to reduce any possibility of more severe punishment for sex outside of marriage, which could have been up to two years if convicted on all charges.
A news report today states that the couple was given three months each and a fine of 1,000 Dirham, which is about $270 US each. They were not told exactly for what they were convicted, which is standard practice in the country.
The couple's attorney told the AP that he would appeal and ask the judge to review the medical report that apparently proves they did not have sex, although they did admit to being drunk. The attorney cannot file the appeal until the judge issues the full explanation of his verdict, which could take ten days and after that, he has fifteen days to appeal.
It is illegal to display affection publicly in Dubai.
