Briton facing jail in Dubai for ‘brushing against man in bar’ ordered to remain in country

Jamie Harron said to have lost his job because he can’t leave the country

A Briton facing jail in Dubai after brushing against a man in a bar has been ordered to remain in the city.

Jamie Harron, 27, appeared in court after being arrested for public indecency and drinking alcohol.

He is said to have been in the city’s Rock Bottom Bar in July when he moved through the crowded room holding a drink, with his hand in front of him to avoid spillage.

It was then that he “touched a man on his hip to avoid impact”, his lawyers said.

Mr Harron, an electrician, made the movement so he did not “bump and spill drinks”, they added.

Campaign group Detained in Dubai said Mr Harron had expected to be re-arrested at his hearing on Sunday for failing to appear at a previous court date.

The group claimed the session was moved without notification.

Mr Harron, from Stirling, was not arrested but was told to remain in the city for future court hearings.

He had been working in Afghanistan and was on a two-day stopover in Dubai when the incident happened.

Afterwards, he was locked up for five days in Al Barsha prison, before being released on bail and with his passport confiscated, according to Detained in Dubai.

He is said to have since lost his job and has spent more than £30,000 in expenses and legal fees.

Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, said: “Jamie is relieved he wasn’t arrested [at the latest hearing]. It was expected that he would have to spend some time in prison.”

She said a further court date was expected in about two weeks, although no firm date has yet been set and Mr Harron expects the court process to be “drawn out”.

“He’s concerned. He’s already been there three months. It seems to be neverending for him and he’s frustrated,” she added.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was providing consular assistance on the matter.

Additional reporting by Press Association