DUBAI // The lawyer for two Britons who were recently spared jail after being convicted of having illicit relations on a public beach said his clients may stay in Dubai as he tries to have their deportation order lifted.
Michelle Palmer, 36, and Vince Acors, 34, were convicted of committing a scandalous public act and consuming alcohol in public. Judges are required by law to order the deportation of any person convicted of committing a scandalous public act. "We might be filing a petition to have the deportation order lifted," said Hassan Matter, who acted for the couple. "There is a committee that looks into such matters. If we file a petition they may not have to leave."
The law courts will not reopen until Dec 14. That would be the earliest date on which a petition could be filed.
If Palmer and Acors are successful and the deportation is overturned, they would be free to enter the country for business or personal reasons. If deported, they would be unable to return for up to three years.
Acts such as an amorous public kiss between a man and a woman, or a rude gesture from an irate driver, are also categorised as scandalous public acts and would warrant a mandatory deportation.
The two Britons were arrested in the early hours of July 5 at a beach near the Burj al Arab hotel in Jumeirah.
They were heavily intoxicated, according to police, having spent the previous day at a champagne brunch.
The Dubai Court of Misdemeanours court sentenced them each to three months in jail.
They were also each fined Dh1,000 and ordered to be deported after serving their sentences.
The Dubai Appeal Court, while upholding the convictions, suspended the jail terms for three years but left the fines and deportation order in place.
hbathish@thenational.ae
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
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Volunteers offer workers a lifeline
Community volunteers have swung into action delivering food packages and toiletries to the men.
When provisions are distributed, the men line up in long queues for packets of rice, flour, sugar, salt, pulses, milk, biscuits, shaving kits, soap and telecom cards.
Volunteers from St Mary’s Catholic Church said some workers came to the church to pray for their families and ask for assistance.
Boxes packed with essential food items were distributed to workers in the Dubai Investments Park and Ras Al Khaimah camps last week. Workers at the Sonapur camp asked for Dh1,600 towards their gas bill.
“Especially in this year of tolerance we consider ourselves privileged to be able to lend a helping hand to our needy brothers in the Actco camp," Father Lennie Connully, parish priest of St Mary’s.
Workers spoke of their helplessness, seeing children’s marriages cancelled because of lack of money going home. Others told of their misery of being unable to return home when a parent died.
“More than daily food, they are worried about not sending money home for their family,” said Kusum Dutta, a volunteer who works with the Indian consulate.
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