http://thestar.ie/star/irishman-on-dubai-romp-rap/ An Irishman and his girlfriend are facing up to three-and-a-half years in prison after appearing in a Dubai court accused of having sex in the back of a cab.

Conor McRedmond (28), a welder from Tullamore, Co Offaly, and his British girlfriend Rebecca Blake appeared before Dubai Criminal Court yesterday charged with engaging in consensual sex prior to marriage.

They are also charged with consuming alcohol.

Consensual sex prior to marriage carries a penalty of up to three years in prison in Dubai while consumption of alcohol carries a six-month sentence and fine of €423.

Ms Blake (29), from Dorking, Surrey, arrived at the court yesterday wearing a headscarf, known as a hijab, a skirt, jacket, heels and thick black tights — despite the 37°C heat

Ms Blake was sacked from her €125,000-a-year job as a recruitment consultant with the firm Manpower after news broke of the couple’s arrest on May 4.

They were due to answer charges yesterday of having sex outside marriage and being drunk in a public place but the case was adjourned without any evidence being heard.

The state’s case against the pair is expected to hinge on the testimony of a taxi-driver who and a police officer who responded to his complaints.

The pair, who are out on bail, were ordered to appear before the court again on October 18.