A STIRLING man facing a three-year jail sentence in Dubai after putting his hand on a man in a bar so he did not “bump and spill drinks”, has appeared in court.

Campaign group Detained in Dubai said Jamie Harron, 27, had expected to be arrested at the hearing on Sunday for failing to appear at a previous court date, which the group claimed was moved without notification.

The electrician was not arrested but was told to remain in the city for future court hearings. His representatives said legal troubles began when he was arrested for alleged public indecency and drinking alcohol at the Rock Bottom Bar on July 15.

He is said to have been moving through the crowded bar holding a drink, with his hand in front of him to avoid spillage, when he “touched a man on his hip to avoid impact”.

Detained in Dubai said he was then locked up for five days in Al Barsha prison, before being released after bail with his passport confiscated.

Mr Harron, from Stirling, had been working in Afghanistan and was on a two-day stopover in Dubai when the incident happened.

He is said to have since lost his job and has spent more than £30,000 in expenses and legal fees.

Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, said: “Jamie is relieved he wasn’t arrested [at the latest hearing]. It was expected that he would have to spend some time in prison.”

She said a further court date was expected in about two weeks, although no firm date has yet been set and Mr Harron expects the court process to be “drawn out”.

“He’s concerned. He’s already been there three months. It seems to be never-ending for him and he’s frustrated,” she added.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was providing consular assistance on the matter.

Meanwhile, Jamie's parents have warned others to stay away from the country.

His mother Patricia says she cannot even sleep out of worry for her son - and his father is warning Brits against visiting Dubai.

"I'm up all night worrying about what is going to happen to Jamie in court. There's no chance of sleep," she said.

And his father Graham, a caterer, added: "Patricia and I have not been able to relax for a moment. We never dreamed we would have to face something like this.

"We are a very close family and it is killing us to think of him spending even three nights in jail, let alone three years.

"People have to stop visiting that country. I think it is unacceptable that the FCO actually promotes the UAE to British tourists."

Jamie, 27, has been held in Dubai for the last three months following the incident in June.

He said: "The whole thing is like a horrible dream and I just don’t know when it is going to end. I thought it would be over by now but it feels like it will never be.

"This has broken me, financially and emotionally."

The Brit denies public indecency, saying he was simply crossing the dance floor to avoid confrontation.

His dad Graham added: "We can't believe this nightmare has gone on for three months. Jamie is a good boy, he is never a problem and never in trouble.

"The UK embassy has not done anything to help and seem to think it is absolutely fine for British nationals to be abused in this way.

"Since Jamie was arrested I have researched and found that this is more common than any of us think.

"Where are the embassy staff who should be offering emotional and practical support to both Jamie in the UAE and his family back home in Stirling?"

In a statement, Radha Stirling of Detained In Dubai said: "This case has been brought to the attention of the UAE government, who we hope will intervene and stop the injustice.

"I have also been contacted by Jamie's local MP, Stephen Kerr, who asked whether he should intervene, and we have requested he do so.

"More and more British nationals have written Dubai off as a possible holiday destination after several recent high profile arrests and we are inundated with more stories of legal abuse.

"We are hoping to work with the UAE government to make improvements to make the country safer for tourists, expats and investors."

SNP MSP Bruce Crawford has also written to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson – asking for Foreign Office support for his constituent.

The MSP has also called on FCO to update travel information offered to UK visitors to the UAE, given a number of reported incidents of tourists encountering similar difficulties.

Mr Crawford said: "I am very concerned that Mr Harron has been detained for so long and, based on media reports, faces such a disproportionate and harsh sentence.

“The Foreign Office must do all it can to support Mr Harron during what must be an extremely stressful time and I have written to the Foreign Secretary to seek these assurances. I hope to see Mr Harron returned home safely and as soon as possible."