A British tourist is facing a three-year jail sentence in Dubai after he touched a man's hip to stop himself spilling his drink while walking through a crowded bar. 

Jamie Harron, from Stirling, central Scotland, was arrested for public indecency and spent five days in jail before being released on bail. The 27-year-old was holding a drink while he made his way through the Rock Bottom bar. As he held a hand in front of him to avoid spilling it on himself or anyone else he "touched a man on his hip to avoid impact". 

According to reports the man who had been touched only appeared to be upset when Harron and his friend sat at a table. 20 minutes later police arrived at the bar. Harron was arrested and charged with drinking alcohol and public indecency. He spent five days in Al Barsha prison, before his passport was confiscated and he was released on bail. 

Following the incident Harron has been stuck in Dubai for three months and has incurred £30,000 in expenses and legal fees. He has also lost his job as an electrician. 

Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, told The Guardian: "It is quite outrageous that he has been held in the country for so long already. This is another example of how vulnerable tourists are to arrest and detention in Dubai and at how drawn out and disorganised legal proceedings are." "I have spoken to Jamie, who is under immense pressure and stress," said Stirling. 

"He was expecting to appear in court on Sunday, but the court moved the date without telling him or his lawyer. This led to a sentence of 30 days' imprisonment for failing to present himself at the hearing."