I can only find this online at the moment, these were not 'lucky' to be British either, Strange? It doesn't fit your view of the UAE Courts being terrified of the British press.
http://usa2uae.com/2009/03/13/new-sex-o ... -sentence/
New Sex on the Beach Couple Get Reduced Sentence
Sex on beach couple given reduced sentences
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/09 ... 94224.html
03/13/2009 09:46 AM | By Bassam Za’za’, Senior Reporter
Dubai: An intoxicated couple, from Myanmar, were given a reduced jail term after being convicted of having sex on Jumeirah Beach and committing an indecent act in public.
The couple, a 26-year-old salesman and a 20-year-old saleswoman, had earlier admitted having sex on the beachside and pleaded for leniency before the Dubai Court of Appeal, which Thursday overturned the initial ruling.
Presiding Judge Adnan Al Farra granted the couple a reduced punishment when he awarded them three months for having consensual sex in public and committing public indecency. The judge awarded then an additional month in jail for having liquor.
The two will be deported after serving their sentences
The Appeals Court on Thursday overturned the primary verdict - one year in jail for consensual sex and public indecency and one month in jail for consuming liquor - delivered by the Dubai Court of First Instance.