London - A British man convicted of having sex on a beach in Dubai admitted Monday that he had been "extremely naive" but claimed that heavy alcohol consumption and public display of affection between unmarried couples were "widespread" in the Arab state.

Vince Acors, 34, who was given a three-month jail term for public indecency and having unmarried sex with a British woman, returned to Britain last week after suspension of his prison sentence on appeal.

Speaking at a news conference in London, Acors said he was "extremely naive" but added that heavy consumption of alcohol and public displays of affection between unmarried couples were widespread in Dubai.

"We just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

He denied having had sex with fellow-Briton Michelle Palmer but said the couple had "physical contact" on Jumeirah Beach, where they were arrested in the early hours of July 5.

"Because of the worldwide publicity, I feel that the Dubai authorities had no real choice other than to find us guilty in this situation," said Acors.

He hoped to retutn to Dubai, added Acors, who works in telecommunication. (dpa)