Dubai ruling 'proves our innocence'

Michelle Palmer, 36, of Oakham, Rutland, was speaking after a judge quashed their three-month sentences. Along with Vince Acors, 34, of Bromley, south east London, she successfully appealed against the conviction at a Dubai court.

Speaking afterwards on her mobile telephone, she said: "I'm not saying anything. It just proves our innocence after all the bad stuff that was written. That's it."

The pair will now be deported and ordered to pay a fine of £170, Acors' solicitor in London said.

Palmer and Acors, who were on bail, were handed the jail sentences last month after being convicted of public indecency and having unmarried sex. A police officer told the trial that he saw them having sex on Jumeirah Beach.

Hassan Matter, who represented the couple in court, said: "The judge has cancelled the jail. He refused the prosecution appeal (for the sentences to be increased). "They are free. It's wonderful. The judge gave us a good hearing because he has a good heart and a good brain. He understood everything."

Andrew Crossley, who is representing Acors, said it was not clear whether the judge had overturned their convictions. "They don't announce the reasons for their decision," he said.

Mr Crossley said Acors and Palmer were "chuffed" at the decision. "Vince says it hasn't sunk in yet," said Mr Crossley, of London-based ACS Law. "They are both chuffed. Vince can't believe it." He said the couple had been ordered to pay a fine of about £170 and would now be deported.

Last month, they were ordered to pay a £155 fine after admitting being drunk in a public place. They were arrested in the early hours of July 5 after meeting at a champagne brunch at a five-star hotel on the emirate.

Mr Crossley later said it was likely the pair would return to the UK shortly. "It may take a couple of days to get their passports and their visas sorted but they should be back by the weekend," he said.