British man jailed in Dubai for touching another man's hip in bar FREED amid outcry

A Scottish man sentenced to three months in jail in Dubai for touching another man's hip has been released following a high-ranking political intervention.

Jamie Harron, from Sterling, was sentenced to three months in jail was arrested in July and charged with public indecency.

The 27-year-old electrician had already been sentenced to one month's imprisonment for drinking beer without a permit and "making a rude gesture".

Now activist group Detained in Dubai claim Mr Harron's passport has been returned to him by police and he will soon be free to leave, following a personal intervention from Sheikh Mohammed, the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Mr Harron, who was previously working in Afghanistan, was on a two-day stopover in the UAE at the time of the incident on July 15.

Since his arrest, it is understood Mr Harron has lost his job and spent tens of thousands of pounds in expenses and legal fees.

Court documents say Harron was accused by another man of sexual assault for touching his buttocks after a dispute in July.

Radha Stirling, chief executive of DiD, said: "We wish to express our deepest gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed for his personal intervention in this case.

"This was a courageous and honourable decision on the part of Sheikh Mohamed, and while it highlights the urgent need for judicial reform in the country, it is also a hopeful sign that the UAE's leadership possesses the will and vision to pursue such reforms in the future."

The Standard approached the UAE Embassy in London for comment.