Jamie Harron, a 27-year-old electrician from Stirling, is to appeal against 30-day jail sentence for drinking in a bar that was handed down in absentia

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A British man facing a possible three-year jail sentence in Dubai over claims that he touched a man on the hip in a bar has in the meantime been sentenced to a month in jail for making a rude gesture and drinking alcohol.

The campaign organisation Detained in Dubai (DiD) said Jamie Harron has been sentenced in absentia to 30 days in prison for the action and drinking alcohol. His representatives said he is to appeal against his conviction.

The 27-year-old electrician from Stirling also faces up to three years in jail after he is alleged to have touched a man on his hip in a bar to avoid spilling a drink, DiD said.

According to a spokesman, Harron admitted drinking alcohol at the Rock Bottom Bar party spot after being arrested in July, but denied making a rude gesture.



His lawyers have submitted an appeal and are expecting a judgment on 22 October for at least one of the cases.

Harron said: “My lawyers have put an objection in on my 30-day prison sentence issued by my absentia that me and my lawyer didn’t even know about in the first place.

“I hope that it can be sorted out but I already didn’t think it would have went on for so many months in the first place. I’ve lost my job, I’m in debt now, I may be going to prison and all this for a two-day stopover.

“It’s just unbelievable. I’m still in shock that it’s actually happened.”

In relation to the other charge, Harron is said to have been holding a drink, moving through a crowded bar, and holding a hand in front of him to avoid spilling it on himself or others.

He then “touched a man on his hip to avoid impact”.

The organisation claims it was only after Harron and his friend sat at a table that the man who had been touched seemed aggravated.

Police arrived at the scene 20 to 30 minutes later and arrested Harron, according to his representatives.

He was then said to have been charged with public indecency, locked up for five days in Al Barsha prison, then released after bail with his passport confiscated.

He has since lost his job and has spent more than £30,000 in expenses and legal fees, having already been stuck there for three months.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “We have been in contact with a British man following his arrest in Dubai in July.

“We are providing consular assistance.”