A British man facing three years in jail in Dubai after touching another man in a bar has appeared in court.

Jamie Harron was arrested for public indecency after he briefly put his hand on another man so he did not "bump and spill drinks" in a bar in the city.

The 27-year-old electrician, from Stirling, has been stuck in the UAE since July when he was detained and his passport was confiscated.

He faces charges of public indecency and drinking alcohol.

Mr Harron had expected to be arrested at the court on Sunday for failing to appear at a previous hearing.


His defence, including campaign group Detained in Dubai, said the date had been moved without notice.

He was not arrested but was told to remain in the city for future court hearings.

The chief executive of Detained in Dubai, Radha Stirling, said: "Jamie is relieved he wasn't arrested [at the latest hearing]. It was expected that he would have to spend some time in prison."

Image: Mr Harron has reportedly spent £30,000 because of the ordeal

She said a further court date was expected in about two weeks, although no firm date has yet been set and Mr Harron expected the court process to be "drawn out".

"He's concerned. He's already been there three months. It seems to be never-ending for him and he's frustrated," she added.

Mr Harron had been working in Afghanistan and was on a two-day stopover in Dubai when the incident happened.

He was initially placed behind bars in the al Barsha prison for five days before being released on bail.

Since then he has reportedly lost his job and been forced to spend more than £30,000 in expenses and legal fees.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was providing consular assistance on the matter.