Prosecutor seeks longer jail term for sex-on-beach couple

Dubai: The British couple, who was convicted of indulging in sexual activity in public, might find themselves serving a longer jail term after the Public Prosecution appealed their initial verdict of a three-month imprisonment.

On Sunday, the Public Prosecution appealed the initial verdict, which the Dubai Court of Misdemeanor handed on October 16, and has asked the Dubai Court of Appeal to stiffen the punishment and award the convicts, 34-year-old British male visitor, V.A., and his 36-year-old compatriot female, M.P., the toughest punishment applicable.

Judicial sources said according to article 358 of the Federal Penal Code, a suspect who is caught committing public indecency faces a minimum imprisonment of six months.

The source added that according to article 356 of the same Code, a suspect who is caught in consensual sex activity faces a minimum of one year in jail.

Presiding Judge Hamdi Mustafa Abu Il Khair awarded the couple three months in jail each followed by deportation after he found them guilty of indulging in sexual activity on Jumeirah's beach and committing public indecency (sexual interaction).

The duo were also fined Dh1,000 each for consuming alcohol.

Severity of crimes

"The law grants a judge the discretion to hand the toughest punishment applicable according to the crimes' severity," legal advisor Hani Hammouda said.

V.A. and M.P. appealed their verdict last week and their lawyer Hasan Mattar won them bail extension until the Dubai Court of Appeal adjourns on November 18.