Scot sentenced in Dubai for touching man on hip set to appeal conviction

A Scottish man sentenced to a month in jail in Dubai for making a rude gesture and drinking alcohol is to appeal his conviction, according to his representatives.

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.

The 27-year-old electrician from Stirling also faces up to three years in jail after touching a man on his hip in a bar to avoid spilling a drink, DID said.

According to a spokesman Mr 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 judgement on Sunday 22 October for at least one of the cases.

In relation to the other charge, Mr Harron is said to have been holding a drink, moving through a crowded bar, and held 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 Mr Harron and his friend sat at a table that the man who had been touched seemed aggravated.

Police arrived at the scene half an hour later and arrested Mr Harron, according to his representatives.