Dubai arrest ordeal scot says ‘whole situation is unbearable’

JAIL: Jamie Harron still faces years behind bars, despite complaint withdrawal

A Scot facing a three-year jail sentence in Dubai after touching a man’s hip in a bar has spoken of his “unbearable” ordeal as the case against him continues.

Jamie Harron, from Stirling, was arrested for public indecency after putting a hand on the man to avoid spilling a drink as he moved through a crowded bar, campaign group Detained in Dubai (DiD) said.

The 27-year-old electrician now faces up to three years in jail and has lost his job following the incident.

He had hoped to be home soon after his accuser dropped the complaint against him but local prosecution services are proceeding with the case.

DiD released details of a voicemail from Mr Harron to its chief executive Radha Stirling, in which he said: “I heard a rumour that the accuser dropped the case against me and thought I would be freed.

“Now I am being told that the prosecutors are not dropping the case, even though the accuser withdrew the complaint.”

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

He said: “I have been here for five months now. I thought it was going to be a brief stop in Dubai, before starting my job.

“Now, because of all this mess over a two-day stopover, I am in debt and stand to lose my house, everything I’ve worked for, and my freedom.

“The whole situation is unbearable. I just feel shattered but I want to send my appreciation to everyone who is trying to help me and I really hope to see you all soon.”

His father Graham said “Our son is still being prosecuted and still faces jail time. People need to understand that it is not a joke to make complaints to the police, especially in that country.

“The consequences are very serious and they can ruin people’s lives as they have Jamie’s.”

Jamie Harron has lost his job and is now in debt.