Dubai woman faced 'trial by media'

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A former colleague said Michelle Palmer, 36, of Oakham, Rutland, was "in bits" and had left her home only once in the last three months.

Along with Vince Acors, 34, of Bromley, south east London, Palmer was sentenced to three months in jail, deportation and fined 1,000 dirhams (£155).

The pair were found guilty of having sex on Jumeirah Beach on July 5, hours after meeting at a champagne brunch.

The friend, who asked not to be named, said: "If it wasn't for all the lies and gossip of ex-pats, they would've been treated much differently.

"It's been blown out of all proportion and it's been trial by media. If the media hadn't have picked up on it, the case would never have got this far.

"She has been slandered and so many lies have been written about her. She has made more press in the UK than some murderers."

The female friend, who answered Palmer's mobile phone, confirmed an appeal would be launched against the verdict.

"She is going to appeal - everybody does," she said.

"You get the first judgment and then appeal. It's what happens in Dubai. They knew what it was going to be. They got the minimum term - the maximum was two years."