Appeal set in Dubai adultery case

Ms Pearce fears she will lose custody of her two young sons

A date has been set for an appeal hearing of a British mother facing six months in jail in Dubai after being convicted of adultery.

Marnie Pearce, 39, says she was framed by her ex-husband so he could gain custody of their children, aged four and seven. He denies the claim.

The teaching assistant fears she may never see her children again if she loses her appeal on 22 January.

Ms Pearce, originally from Berkshire, was convicted of adultery in November.

She was accused of cheating on her Egyptian ex-husband Ihab El-Labban.

Ms Pearce, from Bracknell, is now on bail while she attempts to overturn the conviction.

Another waiting period but more time to spend with my sons Marnie Pearce

If it fails, she is likely to be deported and may lose custody rights to her sons.

She said in a statement after a hearing on Thursday: "All I can say at this time is the verdict will be given on 22 January at the Dubai courts.

"Another waiting period but more time to spend with my sons."

Ms Pearce first met her ex-husband Mr El-Labban in Oman and married him in the Seychelles in September 1999.

They had two children, Laith, seven, and Ziad, four, and moved to Dubai but their marriage eventually broke down.

In March last year she was arrested and accused of committing adultery with a British man who she insists was only a friend.

She contacted Bracknell Conservative MP Andrew MacKay, who has raised her case with Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch-Brown.

Mr MacKay said: "I hope that Miss Pearce will be permitted to leave Dubai with her children.

"Dubai is a moderate Arab state that believes in the rule of law."

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was continuing to provide Ms Pearce with consular assistance.