A British tourist "accidentally" touched a man's hip in a bar in Dubai and is now facing a three-year jail sentence for it.
In July, Jamie Harron - a tourist from Scotland - was arrested for "public indecency" after placing his hand on a man at the Rock Bottom Cafe to avoid spilling his drink on himself or others, according to his representatives.
He then "touched [the] man on his hip to avoid impact."
Police arrived at the bar approximately 30 minutes after the incident and arrested Harron on charges of alcohol consumption and public indecency.
The 27-year-old electrician was taken to Al Barsha Prison. He was locked up for 5 days and then released on bail with his passport confiscated.
"I’m really stunned it has gone that far. I have witnesses willing to present themselves in court, even the bouncer at the bar," Harron said.
However, according to The National, Harron was arrested after a complaint was made by a German customer.
Prosecutors told Dubai Criminal Court that when the German questioned Harron about touching his hip, the accused flashed his middle finger at him.
The German was out with friends when he said he suddenly felt the accused touching him.
“I asked him why he did so and he didn't answer me, instead, he flashed his middle finger at me,” the 49-year-old German manager, told the local news outlet.
“I didn't say anything nor did I scream or insult him. I just called the police," he added.
According to a witness, “Harron was passing near the other man and accidentally touched his arm then immediately apologized and he patted him on his behind in a gesture that meant he was sorry."
Harron has lost his job since the ordeal began and claims to have spent more than $39,000 (AED143,000) in legal fees and expenses since he was first detained in July.
The case has obtained widespread international media coverage and reports say Harron was on a two-day stopover in Dubai on his way back to Afghanistan, where he works as an electrician.
Harron was summoned to a hearing on Sunday after he reportedly failed to attend a previous court date in the city.
A verdict on the matter is due on October 22.
Harron's parents speak out
Harron's parents spoke out following his arrest.
"I'm up all night worrying about what is going to happen to Jamie in court on Sunday," said his mother, Patricia, in a statement.
"There's no chance of sleep."
Harron's father Graham said "we never dreamed we would have to face something like this. I wanted him to tell his story to the press but he really did not think it would be necessary."
"Jamie is a good boy. He has never been a problem and never in trouble. We are a very close family and it is killing us to think of him spending even 3 nights in jail, let alone 3 years," he added.
EDITORS NOTE: This article was updated to include the information of the other party involved in this incident as well as a witness statement.