Brit jailed for 30 days for drinking in Dubai records heartfelt message thanking supporters
The British man jailed for drinking alcohol in Dubai has recorded a video message to thank supporters and loved ones back home.
Jamie Harron, who is also facing a possible three-year sentence for touching a man’s hip in a bar, said all he wanted was to be back home and sleeping in his own bed.
The 27-year-old electrician from Stirling, Scotland, was last week sentenced to 30 days in prison for being drunk but he is not in custody while his lawyers appeal the sentence.
Speaking on a video message, Jamie said: “I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the people around the world who have supported me in this awful time for me and my family.
“Your good wishes mean an awful lot, and they keep me hopeful for the future.
“All I want is to be back in Scotland with my friends and family, sleeping safe in my own bed.
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“Love to you all, and thanks again. I’ll hopefully see you soon.”
Jamie was arrested after German businessman Emad Tabaza called the police and claimed he had been “very drunk” and had “repeatedly” touched him during the incident in July.
Jamie claimed that he had only made contact with Mr Tabaza to stop himself falling over and spilling his drink.
It emerged last week that Mr Tabaza, who works for Neuman & Esser, dropped his complaint after realising the punishment Jamie is facing.
However, UAE officials are continuing with the prosecution and Jamie has lost his job and racked up huge debts while being detained.
Jamie’s parents, Graham and Patricia, said their son’s life has been “ruined” – and they have even been warned they could be arrested if they visit him in the UAE after they spoke out against the country’s government.
Lashing out at Mr Tabaza for making a complaint in the first place, Graham said: “People need to understand that it is not a joke to make complaints to the police, especially in that country.
“The consequences are very serious and they can ruin people’s lives as they have Jamie’s.
“Maybe it wasn’t his (Mr Tabaza’s) intention for it to go so far, but it has, and we are all suffering for it.”
A spokesman from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We have been in contact with a British man following his arrest in Dubai in July. We are providing consular assistance.”
Jamie is due to appear in court on 22 October.