Beach-sex couple's return delayed

Two Britons found guilty of having sex on a Dubai beach are facing delays in returning to the UK because of a public holiday in the United Arab Emirates.

Michelle Palmer, 36, of Oakham, Rutland, and Vince Acors, 34, of Bromley, south-east London, are awaiting deportation.

The pair, who were arrested in July, were sentenced to three months in jail, but later had their terms suspended.

Both were due to fly home on Monday, but now have to wait until 14 December.

Palmer and Acors were arrested on the Jumeirah Beach on 5 July hours after meeting at a champagne brunch.

They were found guilty of unmarried sex and public indecency at Dubai's Court of First Instance in October. Both were fined £170 and sentenced to three months in prison.

They admitted a charge of being drunk in a public place.

However, the pair later appealed against their convictions and a court withdrew their jail terms. They are now waiting to officially apply to be deported.

'Frustrated'

Acors' solicitor, Andrew Crossley of London-based ACS Law, said his client was hoping to apply to the prison authorities for deportation as soon as the holiday was over and that the process should take one or two days.

"We're hoping it will not be any longer than that. We are confident that Vince will be home before Christmas," he said.

"He is frustrated about the delay but he understands and respects that proper processes have to be adhered to."

Palmer was sacked from her job in Dubai as a publishing executive after her arrest. Acors was visiting the emirate on holiday.