Beach couple appeals verdict

The British couple convicted last week of having intercourse on a public beach in Dubai after drinking alcohol have appealed the verdict. Vince Acors and Michelle Palmer were sentenced on Thursday to three months in jail, followed by deportation and Dh1,000 (US$272) fine for being intoxicated in a public place. Hassan Matter, the pair's lawyer, said in the 18-page document presented to Dubai Appeal Court he asked for a verdict of not guilty. The pair were arrested on Jumeirah Beach shortly after midnight on July 5. They had met 12 hours earlier, at a brunch. Both Acors and Palmer have denied having intercourse, but admitted they were intoxicated. Mr Matter said he will argue, as he did before Dubai Misdemeanours Court, that Acors and Palmer did not have sexual intercourse, a fact he says is supported by DNA evidence. hbathish@thenational.ae