Sex on beach couple given reduced sentences

Dubai: An intoxicated couple, from Myanmar, were given a reduced jail term after being convicted of having sex on Jumeirah Beach and committing an indecent act in public.

The couple, a 26-year-old salesman and a 20-year-old saleswoman, had earlier admitted having sex on the beachside and pleaded for leniency before the Dubai Court of Appeal, which Thursday overturned the initial ruling.

Presiding Judge Adnan Al Farra granted the couple a reduced punishment when he awarded them three months for having consensual sex in public and committing public indecency. The judge awarded then an additional month in jail for having liquor.

The two will be deported after serving their sentences

The Appeals Court on Thursday overturned the primary verdict - one year in jail for consensual sex and public indecency and one month in jail for consuming liquor - delivered by the Dubai Court of First Instance.

"I did consume liquor and have consensual sex with my partner, but I didn't commit any indecency in public& there was no one watching us when we had sex on the beach," said the salesman, L.Z.

When the judge confronted the saleswoman, K.P., with the charges, she admitted having sex with her compatriot but maintained that she was intoxicated and pleaded not-guilty on the charge of public indecency.

The Public Prosecution charged them with having sex on Jumeirah Beach, committing public indecency and consuming alcohol.

This is believed to be the second case of its kind. Last December, the Appeals Court awarded a British couple a three-month suspended imprisonment after they were convicted of involving in a sexual activity on the same beachside and committing public indecency under the influence of liquor.

That case drew the attention of the local and international media until the Britons were deported.