A British woman is facing a possible six years in prison after being arrested for having sex on a public beach.

The Sun reported that Michelle Palmer, 30, and a man only known as Vince, were caught on the beach by a police officer having sex after the pair had spent most of the day drinking at an all-you-can eat and drink brunch that are popular amongst the British in Dubai.

According to the report, initially the officer let them go with a warning, but upon finding them a second time, he arrested both of them. Palmer was reportedly belligerent, calling the officer names and trying to hit him with her high heel shoe.

She has been charged with indecent behavior in public, being drunk in public, and assaulting a police officer. Her partner faces similar charges.

Palmer has lived in Dubai for the last three years, where she works as a manager of a publishing firm. She told reporters that she is "panicked," because she thinks the United Arab of Emirates authorities are under pressure to make an example of her.

She could be sentenced to as little as three months, but fears she may get the maximum six- year sentence. Part of the seriousness of the crime comes from the fact that sex outside marriage is illegal in the UAE, as are public displays of affection. According to the London Times, even kissing in public can result in arrest.