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07th Oct 2017

Scottish man faces lengthy jail sentence in Dubai for touching man in a bar

"This is another example of how vulnerable tourists are to arrest and detention in Dubai"

Alan Loughnane

Crazy stuff…

A Scottish man is facing three years in jail in Dubai after touching another man in a bar.

Jamie Harron is facing the sentence after putting his hand on a man in a bar so he did not “bump and spill drinks”, according to his representatives.

It only came to the Harron’s attention that he had done anything wrong when after he returned to his table, the police arrived at the bar 15 minutes later and arrested him for public indecency.

The 27-year-old has been stuck in Dubai since July after he was initially released on bail and had his passport confiscated by authorities.

In the intervening period, Harron is said to have spent £30,000 on legal fees and expenses.

Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, said to The Independent: “It is quite outrageous that he has been held in the country for so long already.

“This is another example of how vulnerable tourists are to arrest and detention in Dubai and at how drawn out and disorganised legal proceedings are.

“I have spoken to Jamie today who is under immense pressure and stress. He was expecting to appear in court this Sunday, but the court moved the date without telling him or his lawyer.

“This led to a sentence of 30 days’ imprisonment for failing to present himself at the hearing.”

Topics:

Dubai,World News