Dubai beach sex couple facing harshest sentence

London, July 26 : A British couple accused of having intercourse in public on a Dubai beach face the harshest sentence after being charged with having sex in public, illicit sex and being drunk in public.

Dubai-based Michelle Palmer, 36, and tourist Vince Acors, 34, may have to serve a maximum sentence of six years in prison if convicted.

The pair denied having a drunken romp in public when arrested by the police.

However, media reports now suggest that DNA tests have confirmed that they actually had full sex, and that Vince has admitted it.

A paper even said that Vince had told a prosecutor that he regretted his "thoughtless actions".

"DNA tests proved they had sex together that day," British tabloid The Sun quoted a source as having told the Dubai-based paper.

The report also reveals that the pair have been charged with having sex in public, illicit sex and being drunk in public.

However, one of Vince's friends, Lee Bowden, said last night: "He knows nothing about any charges."

Michelle and Vince were apprehended on July 5 by a police officer.

They had hoped to escape with a caution after they publicly apologised to the police officers involved in the case, but have been charged with three counts.

They cannot leave Dubai as part of their bail conditions, reports the Telegraph.

Palmer, a publishing executive originally from Oakham, Rutland, left her company earlier this month when the allegations first arose.

It is against the law in the United Arab Emirates to have sexual relations outside of marriage.

ANI