Sheikh ruler pardons US producer

The Sheikh is both Emir of Dubai and vice-president of the UAE

US music producer Dallas Austin has been pardoned by Dubai's ruler after being sentenced to four years in jail for drug possession, two lawyers said.

The pardon came directly from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the lawyers told the AP news agency.

Austin was convicted of having 1.26 grams of cocaine when he was arrested at the city's airport in May.

In similar cases in the past, such pardons have led to deportation from the United Arab Emirates.

One lawyer, who asked to remain anonymous because the case was ongoing, was quoted by AP as saying Austin's release was "a matter of paperwork".

His colleague - one of five members of the producer's legal team - said it could be a few days before full details of the pardon were available.

Austin, who has worked with Michael Jackson, Madonna, TLC and Boyz II Men during his career, is expected to return home to the US city of Atlanta.

In court, he said he had accidentally brought the drug into the country and had "forgotten" to dispose of it beforehand.

Austin had been in the United Arab Emirates to attend a birthday party for British supermodel Naomi Campbell.