Whether I think some of the laws in Dubai are strict or not, having sex in public is bottom line inappropriate.In any other country you would get in trouble for it as well as being intoxicated in public. Everyone should learn and understand the laws of a country they are visiting b4 visiting

Jennifer, Alabama, USA

I agree with many of you that had given your opinion before.
This is not acceptable in any correct country I believe , why should be accepted in Dubai??
As a Brithish they ( both of them ) should know what is legal and not, sure is not acceptable in U.K.
So they should suffer the consequencies.

Tona, Mombasa, Kenya

Could someone please enlighten me as to which Metropolitan city allows it's people to have sex on a public beach & let's the offender off if they've assaulted an officer who had, prior to the assault, warned the offender to desist from continuing an illegal act that's classified as public indecency?

Farah, Dubai, UAE

sex outside marriage, indecent behaviour in public, being drunk in public and assaulting a police officer ! no wonder she's getting in jail ! i mean insulting a police officer got a local emiraty women in jail for long time ! I think sexout of marriage thats shouldn't be included coz she is not musl

salama, ABU DHABI,

its not only the sex that got her in jail, its all her behaviour

salama, ABU DHABI,

Been living in Dubai for over 5 years, and before I headed over to this part of the world, I knew exactly what was tolerated and what wasn't, maybe they should have done the same. Even though Dubai is the most tolerant Emirate, some things are just not accepted....

Chris, Dubai, U.A.E.

Best travelling advice? When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Simple really!

K.Hall, Helsinki,

WOW! Just by reading a few posts, I really got a good look at how close-mined people are.
I say, Let's make sex and all subtances (besides food) illegal in every country! (Since you are sooo disgusted with it.)

Wendi, Atlanta, United States

I had a friend's friend who works in UAE where they had male and female dorm. He had regular sex with one of the girls... she got pregnant...(don't ask me why they never use protection) and accused him of raping her to protect herself.. he was stoned to death...6-9yrs still better than dead

sam, malaysia,

American posters - Dubai is considerably more sophisticated, liberal, advanced, cosmopolitan and free of religious bigotry than great swathes of the U.S.A. Actually, a huge number places in the world are but so few of you travel outside of your own country that's a hard point to get across.

Esther, London,

I didn't realise there was a ''sex on beach culture'' that people were actually proud of

zahid, bham, uk

everything to do with lots of alcohol consuption, i suppose ms palmer was drunk and she forget that she was in dubai, this is for you inglish women got drunk, unfurtunatly ms palmer is very nive women !

lika, madrid, spain

As a non-Muslim, westerner living in Dubai for nearly 12 years, this kind of behavior is exactly what we don't need or want. Dubai offers us a great life and the local laws don't hinder that if you have some basic decency and respcet - not too much to ask I would think.

catherine, dubai, UAE

Oh my. Yes, I had sex on the beach in the UK many a time.
It's the ACT of being caught at it that makes it all the more exciting.
But, never would I have dreamed to do that in the Middle East.
With those strict crazy Muslim laws dating way back. They want Western money, but won't change their laws

Jay, Pheonix, AZ, USA

Its astonishing how ignorant many American and UK posters here are of their own countries' laws while they spout rubbish about others. Sex in public is banned in both countries. So too is drunken disorder. Oh, and so is assaulting a police officer.

Raymond, London,

Both should face the same punishment. Beaches are for families and not drunks The UK would not be facing the knife culture of today if they had acted quicker. Dubai is a far safer place to live and they are very tolerant. Dubai anyday. Julian

julain skyrme, dubai, uae

True, Ms. Palmer broke Dubai's laws, but I bet she wouldn't be punished so severely if she was a man, no matter the degree of the offense. Muslim are very sexists; that's for sure.

Pilar, Florida, USA

I'm all for sexual freedom, but have you ever thought about what it would be like if sex on the beach were legal (which it is not in most countries). Beaches are public places. Do you really want to have to walk around copulating couples to go for a swim?

Casey, Dubai,

I would say her and him might be doing 6-9 in jail for breaking the law, despite what she did to the police officer in the end they will be deported. Ive got western friends here in dubai since ages, they have an amazing respect for the country and for the laws here and yet they still have fun....

Khaled, Abu Dhabi, Emirates

I have to respond to the ignorant comment by Patrick omalley. I have lived in Dubai for six years and it is the safest, cleanest most cosmopolitant place in the world right now. Unlike your country where most people don't even own a passport, Dubai is crime free, clean, very liberal and fair.

Natalie, Dubai, UAE

If you want these foreigners to abide by every law your ridiculous country sets, then don't whore your country out as a "anything goes" vacation spot. Here's an idea, until you release that woman and man to their familes the UAE should come under a complete embargo from the UK and the US.

Phil, Daytona Beach, USA

Foreigners need to abide by the laws of whatever country they are in, period. Just because your on business or vacation or British, French or American doesn't give one the right to break the law. I just wish that here in America our pols and police would enforce the laws on foreigners too!!

Ken, Idaho, U.S.A.

The man DOES face the same charges and penalty!

"Ms Palmer faces a sentence of between three months and six years in jail in the state, one of seven that makes up the United Arab Emirates. Her fellow accused faces a similar sentence."

Taken from above! When in Rome. It's not rocket science!

Sam, London, UK

We don't want drunken, violent, classless chavs to come holiday in Dubai. All those who don't like the rules, please stay away!!

Joanna, Dubai, U.A.E

I don't understand why anybody would spend even one dime in a backward country that won't even let you kiss in public.

patrick omalley, phoenix, USA

I don't feel one bit sorry for Ms Palmer and her "companion." If you go to another country you should respect its laws and customs.

Luci, San Diego, California, USA

I heard that many premiership footballers have bought holiday homes in this place. oops! Their police are going to be pretty busy! Also, why does the headline only mention the woman, when the guy is also British and also faces a six year sentence? Blatant sexism!

Ted, London, UK

I'd love to see the police in UAE spend just one day on any of the public beaches here in New York- Let's see what they'd say after having spent just one full day walking around a beach here-

Scott Benowitz, Rye, New York, U.S.A.

Important thing that wasn't included in your article.She was warned first to stop her drunk romp on the bch by the police. She choose the ignore the warning & when the oficer stopped her the second time, she abused and asaulted him. Dont blame laws in Dubai, you would get arrested anywhere for tht

Malkani, Dubai, UAE

Surely the male part involved is as careless as the female? Why does no one appear to show equal disgust for the male counterpart?? As usual women are made out to be some sort of prostitute and the man is the hero!
As for "open hole" comment well that just sums up the intelligence of men in UK

Catherine, Dubai, UAE

Judging by these comments, Dubai isn't the only place where there are medieval attitudes towards sex.

Chris, Slough, UK

Respect the country and country law when you are there. if you can't take it leave and go back to your country (thats safe and good as well). if we break their rule we are responsible for that. will we be agree when any expat coming to our country and breaking rules and not being nicely punished????

Radha, Mumbai, India

For all those who have commented that not being allowed to have sex in public is a medieval and backward system. Please get a hold of reality! Try going out and having sex in public in the UK and US and see what happens.

Mike, Dubai, UAE

What a lot of PC tosh. Clearly none of you have been lucky enough to get carried away with a young lady after a few drinks in the sun. Only problem with sex on the beach is that the sand gets everywhere. Presumably anyone interested could watch, those who didn't want to could go get an ice cream.

Andrew Lee, Storrington, UK

Reports in Dubai have said that BOTH the woman and the man were BAILED. Likewise the article here in the Times states that BOTH are likely to get a similar sentance. The Dubai press says its likely that they will get 3 months. I think she should get 3 months just for the assault on the policeman!

Polly, Dubai, UAE

Lucas women can drive in Dubai - this isnt Saudi. get your facts right first!

Polly, Dubai, UAE

to all u "outraged" liberals - dubai has laws - unlike the uk which seems to water down its laws to accomodate all comers so as not to offend any, dubai sticks to its laws as is their right as a soverign state..break them and u will be punished end of..if u dont agree with the law well then, tough

zugerman, zurich, switzerland

Could have been worse, she might have actually DRIVEN a car, and that would have been truly disgracefull! Cant imagine what might have happened then . . . it would be funny if it wasnt so ridiculous.

Lucas Tatek, Herts., uk

Why can't people understand that UAE is a completely different country to ours? Our moralilty (or total lack of it) does not apply there. It doesn't matter what you or I think about this case - they have different laws and that is that. If you live there you should respect the culture you are in.

victoria, Wavertree, Liverpool

What about the man? Is he facing any charges??
Secondly, it says between 3 months and 6 years, and while I find 6 years a bit harsh for the type of offence committed, I have to say, the woman AND the man are at fault for not respecting the laws. That said, sex in public is illegal in the UK too!

Reena, Birmingham, UK

I'm sorry but if you live here, then you need to respect the culture. I'm pretty sure it's illegal to have sex in public in the UK so why all the negativity towards the laws of Dubai? She's been in Dubai for 3 years, so she should have known what would happen if she was caught!

Emmy, Dubai, UAE

Have sex in a public place... than the public has the right to share! A person so careless as Ms. Palmer disserve more than 6 years of prison. Plus is a huge shame to be drunk, but in the UK it is a national sport and proud to be drunk. Self Respect it is FREE, so take advantage of it!

Alexander, London, UK

Boycott this place! That is awful and uncalled for. I bet they will quit "making examples" when the good people of Great Britain make and example by withholding tourists.

Blake, Eufaula, Alabama, USA

Either abide by the laws or DON'T VACATION THERE. It's really not that hard to figure out. It's not like it's impossible to avoid having sex in public . . . .

Jason, Tampa, USA

agreed! go somewhere where there aren't stupid laws like kissing in public is prohibited. i'd say stick to europe or come to the united states. we don't have ridiculous laws such as these.

Jay, Virginia, United States

Most travelled people know the rules of other Countries especially Muslim.

Sorry, no sympathy she/he should have known better, but then as one commenter has stated, that is Muslim law.

But then if you visit another Country, you abide by their laws.

Just because UK has separate standards.!

Peter, Sot, England

Those who complain about Britain just remember how free you are.

Ken Carden, Ipswich, England

Understandably, having sexual relations on a public beach is unaccaptable, but does she really need to go to jail? Not saying she should get off scott free, but save jail for people who really do deserve it. As for tourism, I wouldn't be caught dead going there or spending one dollar on that place

Lindsee, Bellevue, U.S.

We expect people coming here to to respect our ways - more or less. If you go to their country, why not do the same? To flout their customs is to weaken your argument in this country.

Mike, Winchester,

i have just returned from Dubai. Walking through the malls or the streets holding my girlfriends hand attracted a lot of attention from the locals. it is a great place to go for a holiday but you have to respect their laws and customs.

peter casson, cheshire, england

If she gets any time in jail, people should boycott that camel jockey country. We don't need to spend our money there, plenty of great beaches in Spain Italy or Greece for Europeans to go to.

Jose, New York , USA

the law is the law perhaps she should be made an example of and then us brits will behave in other places!!!!

John Little, Northampton, England

Its laughable how these stories are sensationalised. Firstly Dubai is not particularly oil rich - its money has mostly come from trade. Secondly it is only illegal for muslims to have sex outside of marriage in Dubai and thirdly 6 years is the maximum sentence, nobody has said they will get that.

Mike, Kuala Lumpur,

Stop giving classes to the world and send a smart attache with an envelope with 500k to take her out promising that she will make an apology on local television.
The Italian job

Federico, Shanghai, PRC

Isn't sex in public is illegal in most countries? I don't think one could argue that this law is medieval.. Six years is harsh, they will most likely be deported back to the UK, before they serve any time.

Uzma, London,

Very stupid on her part, but you cannot be without sympathy for her. The law might be served by her imprisonment, but will justice be served? Does the punishment truly fit this victimless, nonviolent crime? Is the veneer of social morality so sacrosanct as to justify robbing someone of 6 years?

Alasdair, Bournemouth,

I think 6 years is too much time, but she is in a foreign country and should respect their laws. I would feel much better about the whole thing if the man faced the same charges and penalty.

Cindy, Rome, United States

How is it that only the women are ever charged?

D Bastian, Yarraville, Australia

Every country i know has the same rule even westernised countries like here in uk you cant have sex in public.6 years might be a bit harsh but she should be taught a lesson !

Imran, manchester,

Michael Fay, the guy who was flogged in Singapore.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_P._Fay

John, London,

These people were not just "having sex on the beach"! No, far worse, they were giving a two-fingered salute to the people of Dubai, telling them to take their culture and laws, and bugger off. For THAT, they deserve far more than 6 years!

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

Sex on the beach! A bit harsh innit? Six years for having a cocktail with vodka, and cranberry juice!

Mike, Hong Kong, China

This story in the "Sun" said the 1st time the officer found them, he gave them a warning. He came back and they were still doing whatever. When he went to make the arrest, she allegedly attacked the officer with her shoe. It the "Sun" story is correct--then hey, she should have heeded warning.

Terry L. Walker, Ladson, SC / USA

Please note 'she was allegedly caught having sex on a beach'

James, Signapore,

Hey... that's the rules of the country. Tough.

Scott Peddleton, Houston, USA

Six years, that's a little harsh. I think maybe a year in jail for both of them and a fine, but six years is ridiculous. However, if you don't like the laws of Dubai, leave.

Vicki, NY, USA

In the good old days a gunboat would have sorted out this type of barbarism.

Toby, Sydney,

There's punishment, and then there's punishment. Sure, you should abide by laws of the country you visit, to not do so is to place your freedom in jeopardy.

That said, Dubai is likely to be heavy handed. I hope the best for these 2 people, that they get home safe, quickly.

Catrina, Richmond, USA

Having sex on a beach is inappropriate behaviour. Not stopping when asked to by a police officer is foolish. Living in a muslim state for three years and being unaware of the laws there is either pure stupidity or just another example of the embarrassing ignorance of so many Brits abroad.

Emma, Manchester, UK

I think she should go to jail because she was having sex alone! Judging from these comments, it looks like there was no one else involved in the act besides herself! And here I was thinking it took two to tango,or something...

Jesper Kristiansen, London, UK

ok she did wrong but 6 years in jail seems harsh, fine her . she has had her name splashed all over the news the shame she must feel will stop her doing it again. but i suppose alcohol and lust just went together hands up those hypocrites who condone her.......people in glass houses and all that

sue, GWYNEDD, GWYNEDD

Being caught having sex on the beach is an offence in pretty much every country on the planet I suspect. Judging by the lady's comments, she doesn't sound very ashamed or apologetic- she sounds like she wants sympathy.

Do what you want in private- don't subject others to it.

Sam, Manchester,

Although it's a ridiculously harsh sentence, I find myself thinking of all the soft sentences in the U.K for serious crimes and it's hard to preach to them that they are wrong. I think because we can spit, swear, urinate,and copulate - even in view of Police, we expect tolerance everywhere.

Neil, Birmingham, U.K

Sorry Phil from Preston, I'm Muslim and lived in Dubai. I have given my husband a peck on the cheek and held his hand in public. Nothing wrong with that, we just get a room for anything further. Its not out of order to expect people to not have drunken sex in public.

Zeezou, Calgary, Canada

Too late baby doll. You should be made an example, don't you think? Look at how you government is hounding the people who live their lives like you do - differently.
You don't regret what you have done, and claim that they are being unfair.

Peter Casie Chetty, Liverpool, England

Public debauchery not welcome in Dubai. I can live with that.

Remember a few years ago an American teenager in, I think, Singapore decided to destroy others' property and was caned (sp?) ? Has anyone read about any more recent cases?

Richard, Fayetteville, USA

Wasn't there anyone around to tell this couple ' Get a room ' !!

dave, London, UK

Yes there was. I understand that the policeman first gave them a caution for kissing, and only when the same officer returned and found them having sex, were they arrested. Drunk, arrogant and incredibly stupid.

Gemma, Leighton Buzzard, UK

In America we don't put people in jail for SIX YEARS just because they publicly urinate or drink alcohol. The penalties that do exist don't require an analysis of our freedom. Dubai is a billionaires paradise. The inhabitants could have bought themselves a civilized system of law by now.

Mim, New York,

It seems very harsh but when one is abroad one should respect the rules and culture of that country.

Rona Rimes, YORK, UK

In America it is illegal to urinate or drink openly in public. Think about how illegal it is to have sex on the beach, under the watchful eyes of the police. Freedom is not as free as one might think it is in the western world, let alone in Dubai. There is always a price to pay for dumb moves.

Blanshard Meheux, Freetown, Sierra Leone

And the assault on the police officer?

Mary, London,

Sex outdoors is great and everyone should try it............discreetly.
Six years is too much, give her a slap on the wrist, ask her to leave if necessary but don't send her to prision and ruin her life.

Ashley, Cheshire, England

UAE 2008
A couple arrested for kissing in a parked car narrowly avoided being deported. The man was planning to take his wife out to dinner for her birthday after an argument and he was apologising to her and kissed her. A passer-by photographed them in the act and then reported them to the police.

John, Abu Dhabi, UAE

I think everyone should protest UAE, boycott holidaying there until they release them. heck that's what is happeing everywhere in the world, so why not in Britain as well :) FGeesh, no public affection at all. Get with the program!!! This is the 2000's!!

jen, Houston, USA

Good on you Dubai, we should have laws like this in good old Not So Great Britain.As a law abiding, tax paying, working class, white man who was brought up in a Catholic home i am looking forward to the day we live in an Islamic state.How many teenagers are stabbed to death a year in Dubai ?

Jim, Gloucester,

"British women's 'open hole' culture shouldn't be allowed to spread. "

Sure it should. Just let it spread in better places, like where I am.

Bryan, Coventry, USA

A six year jail sentence is absurd! Meanwhile, over in the UK, a man kills a teenage girl as a result of 'dangerous cycling' and only has to pay a fine! The mind boggles...

Stephen, London, England

if she doesnt like the laws in that country, she should go back to where she came from. how often this statement is parroted in this country; i doubt most of u will be able to appreciate the irony

Don Van Dyke, Ipswich, UK

You can have sex outside marriage in Dubai whether you are a Muslim, Christian, Jew, Westerner, Easterner etc. Just do it in a room, not on a public beach!

Tanvir, Chichester, England

She came here freely, lived well (tax free, 20p petrol, etc.) and clearly enjoyed the lavish singles scene that's openly advertised on the radio. Women can dress as they like, drive, etc. The few laws enforced don't limit you or your partner from having fun. Just don't be so obvious is all they ask.

Jonathan Wogel, Dubai, UAE

While to us this may seem excessive we must remember that its Dubai's laws & not ours that apply in Dubai. If she was working there she knew full well the rules its not like she just arrived from Mars. Hopefully instead of putting her in prison they just kick her out of Dubai & tell her not return.

Jason Pearson, Toronto, Canada

6 years?..not nearly enough. What about the poor man who caught her 'in flagrante'? He may never recover!! If he's anything like the ordinary British Joe, he'll never stop talking about it that's for sure!

judy, Liverpool, England

What kind of fool would holiday in such a place, where you couldn't even take your girlfriend for fear of arrest for having sex outside of marriage? Holiday somewhere civilised.

Liam, Stoke, UK

Liz, totally agree with you. I have lived here for over three years, and we are all made of aware of the consequences, if we do wrong, we arent all saints, but we arent as stupid as Ms Palmer either. People who havent been to Dubai or dont know anyone here have no clue whatsoever.

James (Fellow Brum,ie), Dubai, UAE

Stephen..you spot on regarding the "Open hole" culture spreading accross Britain.
getting drunk is used as an excuse. However there is little logic in Dubai as an islamic state they seem to be content with serving alcahol which is against islam but they prohibit sex outside marriage

Komil, London,

Does'nt take much for the self-righteous brigade to get fired up does it.I have resided all over the world so I am aware of cultural differences,but if this was Benidorm or Ibiza half the vacationing female population of the UK would be on a charge.We know,alcohol + the right person can lead to this

Ed Allen, Whitby, Canada

People don't seem to realize that tolerance and the acceptance of diversity is supposed to be part of Western culture. This is an extension of freedom of speech, etc. Xenophobes who say things like "it's too bad we let them practice their culture here" seem to miss this obvious point.

Shaun Narine, daysland, Canada

she should be locked up..she can cry all she wants..let her do the time..she knew very well that sexual overtones and sexual behaviour is not permitted in public.

margaret, Burnaby, Canada

Having Sex on a beach anywhere is not the right behaviour , but anybody suggesting that six years in Jail for that offence is correct needs their head reading punished yes ,not pilliored

Tom Hammondq, lONDON, UK

It's clear when abroad check the law and abide by it. My real beef is that we continue to try to appease minorities with our politically correct behaviour- if our laws were stricter and we were straight about it rather than continual PC, we'd have a safer and wealthier society. Singapore anyone?

phil A, Bordon, UK

This what happens if you go on holiday to, or relocate to, the 14th Century.

Though such behaviour (as is alleged) would not be without its risks in England: it would have all been caught on CCTV with who knows what consequences

stan gallagher, Chorleywood, UK

Why is smoking allowed in public then? It's dangerous to your health, physically offensive to the healthy, disgusting, stinking, and a much worse example to children than sex.

Eugene, heidelberg, germany

When in Rome...

jayil, london, uk

You're right, Shirley, it may not be Medieval but it's hardly worthy of a six year stretch is it?

Lindsay, london, uk

Here Here Peter of Northants. A shame we arent so hot those who come here and break our laws

Alan, Chelmsford, UK

"we expect foreigners to obide by our Law"

At first, but then we change our laws thanks to PC activists in order to accommodate others, until we live in a country where minorities have more rights and powers than the majority. Labour has introduced 3000 new laws since power... why?

Graeme, Edinburgh,

This behaviour would also be an offence here in the UK!

Tourists, beware! don't do abroad what you would not do here.

A bit of curiosity about the country where you are going to stay on holiday can help! A country is not limited to a hotel and a swimming pool. There are people living there.

Marie, Portsmouth,

Wasn't there anyone around to tell this couple ' Get a room ' !!

dave, London, UK

If the English summers were better there would be no need to go to Dubai for sex on the beach!

Gordon smart, Alzonne, SW France

The quote "One does the time IF one does the crime".
The woman knew perfectly well that what she was doing is NOT approved in the Islamic state. SO, took her chance and got caught. Why is she now trying to complain/moan about it? The local police have not done anything wrong!!

Arvin, Lon, GB

Its a shame we allow other cultures to practise there cultures in the uk. "When in ROME comes to mind" we are a country of pushovers.

Mikey, truro, cornwall

J Mitchell, there is nothing wrong with Dubai. It's a great place to visit, or even live (as some of my friends have shown me), but like all countries it has different laws. If you deliberately flaunt your lawbreaking, what can you expect?

Liz, Birmingham,

Precisely why are we meant to feel sorry for this woman? She allegedly behaved in the way that makes many cities horrible places on a Friday night, as well as contravening local laws and standards (which, I thought, deserved some respect - when in Rome, etc.). If she did it, no sympathy at all.

Richard, Leyburn,

No, J. Mitchell, from Leeds; it's best not to have sex in public!

Max, London,

All well and good having a moan about respecting the rights and feelings of the gulf state which i agree with but there is precious little of that being done by people when they visit the UK. We should play by their rules - but no one plays by ours - London bars bear testiment to this.

tim, london, uk

Isn't having sex in public illegal in most places?

While six years may seem harsh, maybe it would help to think of it as 1 year for indecent behaviour and 5 years for stupidity.This woman has lived in Dubai for 3 years - she knows the culture. Oh that we shared the same standards of decency here.

Gemma, Leighton Buzzard, UK

Just think of all the un-Islamic things I do each day....

Give the wife a peck on the cheek on the street.
Hold her hand in public...how disgracefull
Had a glass of wine with my dinner (roast pork).
Went to watch a show
Went dancing

Sounds like Islam is like Christianity without the laughs

Phil, Preston,

Stephen, in case you have failed to notice there was a man involved...

The UAE is not quite as bad Saudi Arabia in terms of how straightlaced and tedious they are it is still obviously not the ideal place for a liberated westerner to go on holiday.

Peter, London,

Lindsay - a prohibition on drunken sex in public is not exactly Medieval.

Shirley, London,

She is living in another country and as such she should respect their culture and laws.

Chantel , Wales,

I have no sympathy for the accused at all as there is seemingly no hint of denial, therefore one can assume from this article that they are guilty of the act.

If you live, work or even visit another country you abide by their law, if you don't want to do that, then don't go to that country!

Anthony, London,

I have no sympathy whatsoever....and you know if it's something you wouldn't want your family and parents to find out...then follow that rule.

kirk, Rotherham, UK

Dubai ? Not on my top ten list of desireable destinations to visit

John, St. Lawrence, Jersey

I think if they give them a stiff penalty then it will put people of going there on holiday and their tourist trade will suffer.

chris smith, BLACKPOOL, Lancashire

The maximum sentence she faces is harsh and seems unjust in comparison with rapists facing lesser charges within the UK. However, we expect foreigners to obide by our Law, why should it be different for UK citizens in Dubai? She must also have been aware of the Law there, as she works in Dubai.

Claire, Gloucester,

Sorry to be such a prude, but I for one am prepared to be happy she will spend a few months in the cooler meditating about over-the-top vulgarity and public drunken debauchery. She surely knows the local laws and customs and should be required to respect them.

Malcolm, Medina, TN, USA

Dubai may look like a modern luxury holiday destination but behind the facade it is as medieval and backward in its attitudes as Saudi Arabia. I would not prop up the economy of a society which thinks six years in prison is a fair punishment for having sex in public by choosing to holiday there.

Lindsay, london, uk

Quite right .. British women's 'open hole' culture shouldn't be allowed to spread.

Stephen, London, UK

Its best not to go on holiday there then!

J Mitchell, Leeds, yorkshire

I hope the both get what the deserve. I have no pity for either of them.
She is living in Dubai so she is aware of the laws there.
There will be more of these cases as British tourists invade the UAE. God help the locals.

Peterr, Northants, England