19/04/2010

Raped UK Woman 'Risks Dubai Jail'

A 24-year-old British woman may end up in prison in Dubai after she told the police that she was raped on a night out drinking with friends.

If the woman's account is not believed, she may face jail for drinking and having sex outside marriage.

The woman claims an Arab man raped her after driving her into the desert but the alleged attacker, 30, claims the woman consented.

She claims the man gave her a lift home after a night out drinking with friends at the Dubai Marina.

He is then alleged to have driven her to a remote area and attacked her, before taking her to her flat and raping her again.

A court source said: "She told police she screamed and cried out begging him to stop during both attacks, which were entirely against her will.

"She went straight to the nearest police station and reported the sex attack at 3.20am the same day."

Police tracked down the alleged rapist after the woman had saved his mobile number after they met during the night.

If a court was to find in the man's favour, the woman could face a charge of having unlawful sex, which could result in a jail term. It is also an offence to be drunk in Dubai.

"The case will be heard in full before a judge who will decide who is telling the truth, but the girl may face difficulties if her story is not believed," a source said.

The allegations follows a string of indecency cases against foreigners in Dubai.

(LB/BMcC)

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