Jail term upheld for Dubai cross-dresser who 'watched inspector strip'

DUBAI // A cross-dressing beautician who watched a female undercover municipality health inspector strip in front of him has had his two year jail sentence upheld by the Appeals Court.

The 42-year-old Filipino EJ was arrested after burning the health inspector during a laser treatment to remove hair from her armpits when she visited the salon on January 25. Prior to the treatment the inspector had stripped in front of the beautician, believing him to be a female as he wore women's clothes, make-up and perfume and had manicured nails. He had also had surgery to create the appearance of breasts.

The inspector, a 39-year-old from Sudan, was visiting the salon as part of an undercover mission to investigate whether its procedures complied with health and safety rules.

She reported the salon for violating regulations and offering laser treatments and botox injections without the proper permits. Police responded to her report and arrested the beautician - whose true gender was only later discovered.

He was charged with practising medicine without the proper permits, posing a risk to the safety of a health inspector, sexual assault, cross dressing and pretending to be a woman.

He denied all the charges at the criminal court but was found guilty.

He will be deported after serving his prison term.