British couple to stand trial over Dubai beach sex

Melbourne, Aug 4 : The British couple arrested in Dubai for allegedly having sex on a beach will be facing trial on August 21.

Michelle Palmer, 30, and Vince Acors, 34, may be given the harshest sentence after DNA tests proved they had "full sex", News.com.au reported.

The couple could be sentenced up to six years in jail after Dubai police charged the two British tourists with having sex in public, illicit sex and being drunk in public.

The two had denied the charges, but the DNA tests proved that they had full sex, and as per reports from The Sun newspaper, Acors had admitted to the act.

Palmer and Acors even had a hasty civil marriage ceremony to reduce the sentence, and they were arrested last month after witnesses allegedly spotted them having sex on a sun lounger, despite the strict ban on sex outside marriage in the Muslim emirate.

The pair had been let off with a warning from a police officer who had allegedly spotted them having sex on the beach. But instead of heeding the warning they continued on with their antics. When the police officer returned and saw them still at it, he arrested them, and according to police sources, Palmer launched an angry tirade at the officer upon being disturbed for a second time.

She is alleged to have hurled abuse and tried to hit him with her high-heeled shoe before being restrained and taken to a cell.

Dubai has since issued a crack down on topless sunbathing, nudity, and other forms of indecent behaviour.

The strict Muslim city-state that attracts thousands of Western partygoers, has appointed undercover police to patrol beaches and man watchtowers as part of a new campaign against indecency.

ANI